The first session of the 118th Congress is now underway, and it begins as the nation is grappling with war around the world, inflation at home, and deep division across our nation. This also begins a new era of divided government with a Democratic president, a narrow Democratic majority in the U.S. Senate, and a slim Republican majority in the House. This dynamic ensures legislating and governing will be a difficult task.
Just as our government is entering a new season, so too is the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. Though we have been through a season of transition, we continue to carry out our ministry assignment to serve the public policy interests of Southern Baptists. Whether that is in our nation’s capital, before the courts, or in our larger culture, we consider it a privilege to continue this mission under a new administration and with an expanded team. Our 2023 Public Policy Agenda is not an exhaustive blueprint but an outline of the core public policy priorities for the next year for this Commission. Here are some of the key areas where we will focus on:
- Oppose The Equality Act: This bill represents the most significant threat to religious liberty ever considered in Congress and the ERLC will continue to lead efforts to oppose the Equality Act and any similar legislation introduced this session.
- Respond to the Decision in 303 Creative v. Elenis: While the results of this case will have ramifications for religious liberty, the primary issue centers on speech.
- Ending the Proliferation of Chemical Abortions: In January 2023, the FDA moved to allow local retail pharmacies to dispense these drugs in states where it is legal, putting more women and preborn children at risk. The ERLC supports federal legislation, such as the SAVE Moms and Babies Act, that would begin to regulate this predatory industry.
- Protect Pro-life Riders in the Congressional Appropriations Process: The ERLC will work to preserve the Hyde Amendment, not only because it prevents government-funded violence against preborn children, but also because it prevents the government from coercing citizens to act against their consciences in the taxpayer incentivization of something unjust. All prolife riders are important and must be protected.
- Support Adoption and Foster Care Policies: The ERLC will advocate for policies, like the Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act, that would support and strengthen adoption, making it both more affordable and accessible.
- Support Pro-Family Policy in a Post-Roe World: It is crucial that all aspects of federal policy provide a platform for families to thrive and flourish. In this post-Roe world, the ERLC will advocate for policies that remedy marriage penalties, empower abortion-vulnerable women to choose life and provide baseline levels of support for new parents. This is consistent with the 2022 SBC Resolution that urged a focus on “pro-life and pro-family policies that serve and support vulnerable women, children and families.”
- Support a Permanent Solution for Dreamers: As part of desperately needed immigration reform, the ERLC will continue to advocate for a permanent legislative solution for Dreamers.
- Oppose Efforts to Expand Gambling: As nearly every state across the country has loosened restrictions on gambling, Americans spent approximately $213 billion on legal betting alone in 2021. The ERLC is actively looking for ways to engage this issue to better regulate this harmful, predatory industry and mitigate its harmful effects on families and individuals.
