# What This Resolution Actually Does

This is a resolution—which means it's a statement of opinion from Congress rather than a law that creates new rules or punishments. Think of it as the House of Representatives making a formal declaration about what they believe is happening in America regarding religious freedom. The resolution doesn't create any new legal requirements or change existing laws; it's essentially Congress saying "we think there's a problem here" and calling on the President and state governments to address it.

The resolution claims that Christians and people of faith are facing growing hostility in America and lists examples of what supporters view as discrimination. These include situations where business owners faced legal action for refusing services based on religious beliefs about marriage and sexuality, instances where people were fired or suspended from jobs or school for expressing religious views, churches being shut down during COVID-19 lockdowns, and social media platforms removing content from religious users. The resolution also criticizes federal policies related to abortion funding, LGBTQ+ protections, and vaccine mandate exemptions, arguing these policies conflict with religious freedom.

What the resolution actually asks for is fairly broad: it calls on the President to commit to protecting religious liberty and avoid actions that conflict with the Constitution and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (an existing law that already protects religious exercise). It also asks state and local governments to overturn laws related to sexual orientation and gender identity that they believe interfere with religious freedom. Since this is just a resolution and not a law, it has no direct legal effect—it won't change anyone's rights or create new penalties. However, it does signal what some members of Congress prioritize and could influence future legislative efforts on these topics.

Condemning the growing hostility towards Christians and individuals of faith in the United States.

Grothman, Glenn

 <p>This resolution condemns hostility by the U.S. government, public institutions, and the media towards Christians and individuals of faith. This resolution also calls on (1) the President to refrain from taking actions inconsistent with the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and the U.S. Constitution; and (2) state and local governments to overturn existing laws and oppose new laws that impact Americans' ability to exercise their religion, including laws on sexual orientation and gender identity.</p>