 Showing that he hasn't forgotten the history of religious freedom in Massachusetts, Senator Brown stepped up to the plate for Catholics today calling for the protection of religious liberty and the right to exercise conscience. His statement:
"One of our most cherished liberties is freedom of religion. Like Ted Kennedy before me, I support a conscience exemption for religious organizations in health care. No one should be forced by government to violate the teachings of their faith. I encourage President Obama to re-examine his health care law and make sure no one is being forced to do something that is contrary to their religious beliefs."
Senator Brown and I may practice our faiths in different churches, but I know I won't forget that he stood up for mine. Brown was under pressure not to stand with us, and however unpopular as my Church may be, he didn't turn his back on it. It may seem strange to celebrate a politician supporting something so elementary to our country, but Brown showed some serious courage and leadership today.
The Senate is currently debating measures that would protect the rights of the Roman Catholic Church and others that would force them to comply with the Department of Health and Human Services mandate to provide birth control and abortifacients as part of coverage. Legislation that would prevent the Obama-Sibelius imposition has been supported by a bipartisan group of Senators including Robert Casey (D-PA), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Ben Nelson (D-NE), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Joe Lieberman (I-CT) , and Rand Paul (R-KY). |
