Yesterday, House Democrat leaders announced they would be holding a floor vote this week on H.R. 8404, the so-called “Respect for Marriage Act.” The legislation would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act as well as attempt to override state laws recognizing marriage as between a man and a woman.

In response, Terry Schilling, president of American Principles Project (APP), released the following statement urging opposition to the bill:

“Before the Supreme Court’s Obergefell ruling, it was common to hear proponents of same-sex marriage argue for its recognition by asking: ‘How does it affect you?’ Seven years after that ruling, we have the answer to that question.

“The consequences of the Court’s redefining of marriage have been extensive, affecting nearly every American. Many have seen their First Amendment rights threatened or curtailed, such as bakers, florists, photographers, and others. Parents have been shocked to discover lessons on sexual orientation injected into their young children’s schools and smuggled into the TV shows they watch and the books they read. In many workplaces, one cannot even quietly oppose the ideology of ‘Pride’ without risking one’s career.

“While many Americans assumed the good faith of the LGBT movement those years ago, we should know better now. To give in on this issue would mean surrendering to ideologues who wish to stamp out the traditional family and punish all of us who still hold to this ideal. We must not allow this to happen.

“We urge every Republican who truly cares about marriage and the family to vote against this legislation. Conservatives, and especially parents, will be watching to see who our true allies are.”

To schedule an engagement with American Principles Project, contact Paul Dupont at (o) 202-503-2010 or pdupont@americanprinciplesproject.org.