A Statement From Center for Arizona Policy President, Cathi Herrod

PHOENIX – “One year after the Supreme Court decreed same-sex marriage to be the law nationwide, the redefinition of marriage clearly jeopardizes the long-held right ensuring that Americans may exercise their religious beliefs free from government interference.

The Court only decreed same-sex marriages to be legal. It did not say everyone else must take part in the wedding events.

Now, one year later,  business owners throughout the country are entrenched in legal battles, not because they declined to provide services on the basis of one’s sexual orientation. They have provided services and continue to do so. Rather, these business owners have declined to participate in same-sex weddings because they chose to live and work according to their sincerely held religious beliefs.

To millions of Americans, their faith requires them to refrain from participating in events that are contrary to their religious beliefs. The First Amendment guarantees them the right to freely exercise those convictions.

In just 12 months, those supporting same-sex marriage have redoubled their efforts to not only redefine religious freedom but also to redefine common-sense laws and practices, like those protecting the privacy of children in locker rooms, restrooms, and similar facilities.

I call upon all to honor and uphold the American tradition that respects the diversity of thought, privacy rights, and freedom for all to live and work according to their faith.”

Center for Arizona Policy promotes and defends the foundational values of life, marriage and family, and religious freedom. For more information, visit azpolicy.org.

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