> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://birchtree.me/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# 6 Republican Candidates Give a Big Thumbs Up to Bigory
- URL: https://birchtree.me/blog/gop-bigory/
- Published: 2015-12-21T13:00:26.000Z
- Updated: 2015-12-21T13:00:26.000Z
- Author: Matt Birchler
- Tags: #Import 2023-06-01 22:41, #Import 2025-03-29 19:29

[H.R.2802 - 114th Congress (2015-2016): First Amendment Defense Act](https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/2802?ref=birchtree.me) doesn't sound that bad judged by just its name. It's incredibly short though, so let's take a look at the text:

> Prohibits the federal government from taking discriminatory action against a person on the basis that such person believes or acts in accordance with a religious belief or moral conviction that: (1) marriage is or should be recognized as the union of one man and one woman, or (2) sexual relations are properly reserved to such a marriage. 

Huh, that seems pretty specifically homophobic. This bill essentially suggests that individuals and businesses can discriminate against homosexuals, so long as they say "my religions says I can be a dick."

While I think it's fine to let people practice their religion, this bill is not about religious freedom, it's about hating gays. Why not use this language?

> ...in accordance with a religious belief or moral conviction that violates their religious beliefs. 

Because even the staunchest right winger knows that wording would open up a whole bag of worms because religion can be used to rationalize just about any outrageous, bigoted behavior.

It's sad, and I hope this legislation fails hard, but it looks like it has a decent shot of moving forward. [6 GOP candidates have already said they will support the bill](http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2015/12/19/3734043/gop-candidates-fadapledge/?ref=birchtree.me).