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Social Values

Religious freedom

While the viewpoints of all Americans should be respected. I believe we must preserve the core principles of America’s founding and the historic understanding of the proper relationship between church and state. I feel very fortunate to live under the blanket of democracy and the freedoms it provides to people of all faiths. However, I do believe allowing references to God in the public square celebrates our nation's heritage and falls squarely within the Framers'intent to prevent hostility to religion in public. I would be reluctant to support measures that remove these references to God from money, the halls of Congress, or the Pledge of Allegiance.

Abortion and access to contraception

I recognize that there is a judicially established right for a woman to choose to have an abortion or to access contraception or other reproductive health items and services. I do not, however, believe that it is appropriate for the federal government to mandate the provision of these items or services. 

It is outside the proper role of government, and ultimately unconstitutional, to require health care insurers, purchasers, and providers to make available those contraceptive items and services that conflict with their religious beliefs. Blanket government mandates requiring access to these services and products would unfairly burden such groups and may result in religiously affiliated entities refusing to offer health insurance entirely to their employees. It is also inappropriate for the federal government to require that money from taxpayers, a significant number of whom are deeply opposed to abortion, fund such procedures.  

I do support each individual's right to purchase health insurance and to pursue health care that meets their personal needs, including their reproductive health, without federal interference. However, I oppose abortion, unless it is used in emergencies where the health of the mother is in grave peril or where rape or incest has occurred. The issue of abortion is one upon which thoughtful and reasonable people can and do disagree. While I am personally pro-life, I have always respected those who have come to a different conclusion on this important issue.

One benefit of our nation's robust health system is that secular health care insurers are available to provide birth control to women in need of it at no cost without infringing upon the First Amendment liberties of other Americans, an effort which I support.

Cosponsored items:

  • H.R. 3803, D.C. Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act
     
  • Letter to Secretary Sebelius opposing contraception mandate
  • H.R. 358, the Protect Life Act, which prohibits funding for abortion and abortion coverage under ObamaCare, while protecting conscience rights for health care providers.

Definition of marriage

I believe Americans should be allowed to make lifestyle decisions free of government regulation. However, I also believe state sovereignty is important and the states' right to make decisions related to the definition of  marriage should be respected. The Defense of Marriage Act, also known as DOMA, successfully brought authority on this issue back into the hands of the States.

While I support the Defense of Marriage Act, I absolutely do not harbor any prejudice towards homosexual men and women. I strongly support the right of all adult Americans to enter into personal relationships of their choosing, but I continue to believe the legal institution of marriage should remain between one man and one woman.