Ted Cruz offered a vigorous defense of religious liberty on Thursday at a Faith & Freedom Coalition Conference while accusing other Republicans, including presidential candidates, of taking time to “rearrange their sock drawers” when controversy over state freedom legislation arises.
The Texas Senator opened his remarks offering a moment of silence for Wednesday’s murder victims of Emanuel A.M.E. church in Charleston, S.C.
“Today the body of Christ is in mourning,” declared Cruz.
Cruz argued that the issue of religious liberty will be “front and center” in the 2016 presidential campaign.
“I am profoundly optimistic we are going to turn this nation around because of the leaders gathered here today,” he continued, while offering praise for the work being done by Ralph Read, founder of Faith & Freedom Coalition and Penny Nance, CEO and President of Concerned Women for America.
Cruz explained how just a few decades ago the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, signed by President Clinton in 1993, had overwhelming bipartisan support. The bill was introduced by New York Senator Charles Schumer and was supported by then Senator Joe Biden and former Senator Ted Kennedy. He called the RFRA law “identical” to what Arkansas and Indiana proposed this year. The legislation turned controversial when corporations and gay activists erupted in protest over religious freedom protections.
“The modern Democratic Party has decided that their commitment to mandatory gay marriage in all 50 states trumps any willingness to defend the First Amendment,” declared Cruz.
While slamming Democrats for their commitment to special interests over the foundational freedoms, Cruz added, “I’ll tell you what was saddest, just how many Republicans ran for the hills.
“Indiana was a time to draw a line in the sand, more than a few Republicans chose that moment to go rearrange their sock drawer,” he added.
Click here for more.
SOURCE: The Christian Post
Ray Nothstine
BCNN1 WP 