[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 8]
[House]
[Page 11614]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                           FREEDOM OF SPEECH

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. Jody B. Hice) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in order to 
stand in strong support of a foundational American law and principle 
that I feel has been woefully neglected recently. I rise in defense of 
the First Amendment, which in part states: ``Congress shall make no law 
respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free 
exercise thereof.''
  Due to the recent Supreme Court decision on marriage, I feel that the 
First Amendment is at risk of being horribly violated in the name of 
judicial activism. I am deeply concerned for the First Amendment rights 
of all American citizens and feel strongly that the Court did not act 
within its limited constitutional constraints.
  Due to this decision, Mr. Speaker, there now exists a direct conflict 
between the law of man and the law of God, and we have tens of millions 
of Americans who are now facing a dilemma to choose between their faith 
and their religious convictions and the government. As Christians, we 
must obey the law of God.
  This decision by the Supreme Court is devastating, and it directly 
ignored the will of the people and the will of most States. It was a 
direct rejection of previously held decisions; it rejected dozens of 
State laws and Constitutions, and, yes, it rejected God's law.
  In effect, this decision took the people's prerogative and the 
States' prerogative and threw it out the window in favor of incorrectly 
defining and interpreting that which is detrimental to our First 
Amendment, the First Amendment which guarantees not only the freedom of 
speech, but also the freedom of religious expression without fear of 
harassment or penalty from our government.
  Now, Mr. Speaker, we must find different avenues where citizens and 
lawmakers can get involved to address this egregious offense to our 
First Amendment. In my home State of Georgia, local legislatures are 
considering the Pastor Protection Act which would endeavor to ensure 
that no pastor or minister or house of faith would be forced to perform 
a wedding that they believe violates their religious beliefs. That is 
good, but we must do more. It is a good first step.
  Frankly, it is my hope that other States would raise the mantle of 
our Constitution and protect it and protect not just pastors and 
ministers, but all citizens, including businessmen and -women.
  In addition to State action, Congress also must be heavily involved 
at this time. As an initial step, I am personally proud to have 
cosponsored H.R. 2802, the First Amendment Defense Act, offered by my 
good friend and colleague Representative Raul Labrador from Idaho.

                              {time}  1100

  This bill includes many provisions that would both reaffirm and 
safeguard our First Amendment rights. It would ensure that the Federal 
Government could not penalize institutions, churches, and individuals 
for simply exercising their First Amendment right.
  Furthermore, it prohibits the Federal Government from blocking access 
due to deeply held religious convictions from those who are seeking 
grants or licenses or contracts or accreditation or tax-exempt status. 
I believe this bill would help greatly to deal with the uncertainty 
that currently is held by millions.
  In closing, Mr. Speaker, it is my sincere hope and desire that we can 
all come together to defend our First Amendment. I think Daniel Webster 
said it best when he said:

       If we abide by the principles taught in the Bible, our 
     country will go on to prosper, but if we and our posterity 
     neglect its instructions and authority, no man can tell how 
     sudden a catastrophe may overwhelm us and bury all our glory 
     in profound obscurity.

  I, for one, Mr. Speaker, will continue fighting for our First 
Amendment.

                          ____________________