Leaked HHS Memo Reveals Biden Admin Moving to Remove Religious Liberty Protections
November 22, 2021
Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma said Wednesday that a leaked memo from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)—spearheaded by HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra—reveals the Biden administration’s plan to undo religious liberty protections and disregard Americans’ First Amendment rights.
The internal HHS memo, which describes a plan to turn back religious liberty protections implemented under the Trump and George W. Bush administrations, states: “The action will likely be well-received among civil rights advocates and litigators, as well as groups advocating for the separation of church and state. [But] groups who share the prior Administration’s broad view of the application of RFRA [Religious Freedom Restoration Act] or who will interpret this action as an indication that the Department is abdicating its responsibility for compliance with RFRA will likely issue strong negative reactions. This includes members of Congress who have been outspoken about OCR’s [Office for Civil Rights] conscience and religious freedom activities and who have repeatedly asked questions about changes to OCR’s organizational structure and legal authorities.”
In response, Lankford issued a statement: “The memo is correct, I am an outspoken advocate for religious liberty, and I have a very ‘negative reaction’ to this Administration ignoring the First Amendment and failing to protect Americans of conscience. Americans do not support President Biden and his team’s absolute lawlessness when it comes to upholding Americans’ Constitutional rights—including our right to freely live our faith.”
Lankford’s comments echoed those of former OCR Director Roger Severino, who told Fox News that Becerra’s actions contradicted commitments Becerra made to Congress before the Senate narrowly confirmed him along a 50-49 vote.
Story originally posted in Decision Magazine, reposted on Harbinger's Daily. Cover image of the entrance to the office of Oklahoma Senator James Lankford in Washington DC by Katherine Welles.
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