Senate bill curtailing religious freedom fails in procedural vote

July 17, 2014

In a procedural vote, the United States Senate decided not to consider the “Protect Women’s Health From Corporate Interference Act of 2014,” a bill that would curtail religious freedom in response to the Supreme Court’s Hobby Lobby decision.

Fifty-six senators-- four shy of the number necessary-- voted to consider the bill, while 43 opposed it.

“While the outcome of today’s vote is a relief, it is sobering to think that more than half the members of the US Senate, sworn to uphold the laws and Constitution of the United States, would vote for a bill whose purpose is to reduce the religious freedom of their fellow Americans,” said Jayd Henricks, director of government relations of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. “We need more respect for religious freedom in our nation, not less.”

 

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Further information:

• 'More Respect For Religious Freedom' Needed After Failed Senate Vote To Curtail It (USCCB)
• U.S. Senate Democrats' Hobby Lobby bill fails to move forward (Reuters)
• Senate may soon vote on bill that would curtail religious freedom in response to Hobby Lobby decision (CWN, 7/15)