House passes Conscience Protection Act

July 14, 2016

In a largely party-line 245-182 vote, the US House of Representatives has passed the Conscience Protection Act.

The legislation provides that federal, state, and local governments “may not penalize, retaliate against, or otherwise discriminate against a health care provider on the basis that the provider does not perform, refer for, pay for, or otherwise participate in abortion.”

Three Democrats broke with their colleagues to vote for the bill, and one Republican voted against it.

“We're grateful to House Speaker Paul Ryan for bringing the Conscience Protection Act to a vote, to all the co-sponsors for their leadership, and to those members of both parties who support the civil right of conscience,” said Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Archbishop William Lori, who chair the US bishops’ pro-life and religious liberty committees.

“We now urge Congress to move this vital legislation forward as part of this year's must-pass appropriations package.”

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• House Votes 245-182 for Conscience Protection Act (CNSNews.com)
• House passes bill to stop govt from forcing people to participate in abortion (LifeSiteNews.com)
• Prelates call for immediate passage of Conscience Protection Act; House vote scheduled (CWN, 7/8)
• Cardinal Dolan and Archbishop Lori Commend House Passage, Call on Congress to Enact the Conscience Protection Bill (USCCB)