A renewed push for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment has led to concerns that the measure would curb religious freedom.
The much-debated amendment states that “Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.”
However, some have expressed concern how this amendment will be interpreted, especially in regards to issues like religious liberty and abortion.
Mat Staver, founder and chairman of the Liberty Counsel, told The Christian Post that he believed the ERA would “absolutely” threaten religious liberty if passed.
Staver believed that if the ERA was passed, it could “be used as a hammer against religious organizations including churches to provide abortion or abortion-inducing drugs or devices.”
“I think also the ERA now would include an LGBT agenda that would conflict with churches and religious organizations with respect to biblical doctrines and beliefs of male and female in uniquely created and complementary sexes,” added Staver.
“So I think in both the abortion area and in the LGBT arena, the ERA Amendment would be a direct assault on religious liberty, against religious organizations and churches.”
Staver also told CP that his organization and others are “going to watch and see what kind of traction it gets,” noting that “we would definitely be opposed to it.”
The Virginia Catholic Conference also expressed concern over the ERA, warning that, if passed, the amendment would have “unintended consequences.”
“Legal challenges and uncertainty would arise over the lawfulness of programs and facilities that serve and assist women exclusively,” stated the Conference.
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SOURCE: Christian Post, Michael Gryboski
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