On July 13, 2017, Representatives Joe Kennedy, Bobby Scott, and 51 co-sponsors reintroduced the H.R. 3222, the Do No Harm Act.
Freedom of religion and belief is a fundamental American value. We can freely practice our beliefs and no one can use their religion as an excuse to deny the rights of others. The Do No Harm Act will ensure that a federal law that was designed as a shield to protect religion is not used as a sword to harm others by:
- Undermining nondiscrimination laws
- Evading child welfare laws
- Refusing to perform duties as a government employee.
- Denying access to healthcare
- Trumping workplace laws
- Refusing to provide government-funded services under a contract
We support the Do No Harm Act, because it will protect all Americans’ religious freedom. Our country is strongest when we are all free to believe or not, as we see fit, and to practice our faith—without hurting others.
Learn More About The Do No Harm Act
AU Legislative Director Maggie Garrett speaks at a press conference to mark the first introduction of the Do No Harm Act in 2016. Also pictured, Rep. Joe Kennedy III and Hilary O. Shelton, NAACP.
The bill is simple: It's designed to restore the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act to its original intent. It will preserve the law's power to protect religious freedom, but also clarify that it may not be used to harm others.
Under the bill, people can still use RFRA in many cases, including those involving the right to wear religious garb and observe religious holidays. RFRA, however, could not be used in ways that harm other people.
The Do No Harm Act was first introduced in 2016.
Rep. Bobby Scott and Rep. Joe Kennedy III talk before a press conference to mark the first introduction of the Do No Harm Act in 2016.
Organizations That Support The Do No Harm Act
Abortion Care Network
Advocates for Youth
American Atheists
American Civil Liberties Union
American Humanist Association
American Psychological Association
Americans United for Separation
of Church and State
Anti-Defamation League
Basic Rights Oregon
Bend the Arc Jewish Action
BiNet USA
Call To Action
Catholics for Choice
The Center for American Progress
Center for Black Equity
Center for Inquiry
Center for Reproductive Rights
DignityUSA
Disciples Action Network
Disciples Center for Public Witness
Equal Partners in Faith
Equality California
Equality Federation
Family Equality Council
Feminist Majority
FORGE, Inc.
Friends Committee on National
Legislation
GLBTQ Legal Advocates &
Defenders (GLAD)
GLSEN
Hindu American Foundation
Human Rights Campaign
Institute for Science and Human Values
Interfaith Alliance
Lambda Legal
The Leadership Conference on Civil
and Human Rights
Legal Voice
LGBT Technology Partnership &
Institute
Medical Students for Choice
Movement Advancement Project
NAACP
NARAL Pro-Choice America
National Asian Pacific American
Women’s Forum (NAPAWF)
National Association of Social Workers
National Black Justice Coalition
National Center for Lesbian Rights
National Center for Transgender
Equality
National Council of Jewish Women
National Gay & Lesbian Chamber
of Commerce
National LGBTQ Task Force
Action Fund
National Partnership for Women
and Families
National Women's Law Center
NEAT - National Equality Action Team
NMAC
Nursing Students for Sexual &
Reproductive Health
Out & Equal Workplace Advocates
OutServe - Servicemembers Legal
Defense Network (SLDN)
Physicians for Reproductive Health
Planned Parenthood Federation
of America
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Pride at Work
Pro-Choice Resources
Religious Institute
Reproductive Health Access Project
Secular Coalition for America
Secular Policy Institute
Sexuality Information and Education
Council of the U.S. (SIECUS)
The Trevor Project
T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for
Human Rights
Unitarian Universalist Association
United Church of Christ, Justice and
Witness Ministries
Whitman-Walker Health
Women’s Alliance for Theology, Ethics,
and Ritual (WATER)
