Proposed “Fairness” Act actually undermines fairness, tolerance

Aug 28, 2015 | 6 comments

Pennsylvania is already a tolerant state.  Bill would threaten needed services.

Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania Family Council, the state’s largest pro-family advocacy organization, calls on Pennsylvania Legislators to reject proposed legislation that would undermine the tolerance and religious freedom for which this Commonwealth is known and was founded.

Ironically named the “Fairness Act,” the proposal (HB 1510/SB 974) would empower government to unfairly punish Pennsylvanians who continue to hold that marriage is the special and sacred union of one man and one woman.

The “Fairness Act” would unfairly force hundreds of charities across the state that help and educate the poor, the infirm, orphans and foster children to choose between violating their faith and convictions, and ceasing operations.  This would harm tens of thousands of needy Pennsylvanians.

The “Fairness Act” would empower lawyers and special interests to unfairly target individuals, businesses, schools and ministries with costly lawsuits, dragging citizens into court and threatening them with ruinous fines, simply for what they believe.

Laws and policies like HB 1510 have been used in other states to persecute and prosecute grandmothers and young families and even force Catholic Charities in Boston and Illinois out of the foster care and adoption ministry because they believe that marriage is special, and that mothers and fathers are important.

“Pennsylvania is a place where people care for one another,” said Michael Geer, President of the Pennsylvania Family Council. “It’s who we are.  It’s what we do. The thousands of quality, faith-based charities, ministries, businesses, schools and individuals across Pennsylvania that serve people in need are a great example of that.”

“The ‘Fairness Act’ would put this all at risk by punishing those who choose not to embrace or promote actions or events that violate their beliefs.  That would be truly unfair and unjust,” added Geer.

TAKE ACTION: Tell your state officials to oppose the so-called “Fairness” Act. Send an email: click here or go to tinyurl.com/standfortruefairness 

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