Quigley Statement on President Trump’s “Religious Liberty” Executive Order

WASHINGTON—Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), who serves as Vice Chair of the LGBT Equality Caucus, released the following statement after President Trump signed an executive order easing the ban on political endorsements by churches and religious groups:

"Once again, instead of pursuing unity and healing, President Trump has chosen to deepen the divisions and discord that weaken our nation. This executive order makes it the administration's official policy to allow individuals to manipulate religious freedom so that it can be used as a tool for discrimination and intolerance against women, children in foster care, and the LGBTQ community. His action today breaks our longstanding commitment to separation of church and state, which encourages equality and ensures that one set of beliefs doesn't have an advantage over others. Freedom of religion is a principle to uphold, not a license to discriminate.

"I urge my colleagues in Congress to come together and work tirelessly to fulfill our fundamental responsibility to preserve the American values on which our country was founded. The United States must always be an inclusive and welcoming place for all to call home."