American Atheists Applauds the Do No Harm Act

Cranford, NJ—Today, American Atheists thanked Rep. Joe Kennedy, Rep. Bobby Scott, and Sen. Kamala Harris for reintroducing the Do No Harm Act in the House and the Senate.

The 1993 Religious Freedom Restoration Act’s stated purpose is to “ensure that interests in religious freedom are protected.” RFRA, however, has provided religious individuals and groups justification to discriminate against atheists, religious minorities, LGBTQ people, and women. The Do No Harm Act limits RFRA by protecting Americans from religiously motivated discrimination.

In response to the bills’ introduction, American Atheists President Nick Fish released the following statement:

For too long, RFRA been used as a tool to excuse discrimination and attack the vulnerable. The Do No Harm Act would restore religious freedom to its true meaning: a shield that protects religious minorities from government interference, not as a weapon to terrorize atheists, LGBTQ people, and women. While we believe the First Amendment offers adequate protection for religious freedom and advocate for a full repeal of RFRA because it grants religions unconstitutional preference in the eyes of the law, the Do No Harm Act is an important first step toward equality.