Murphy Votes Against H.R. 5

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03) released the following statement after voting against H.R. 5:

"Let me say very plainly that I believe in equality in our country. Discrimination in any form is wrong, but the so-called ‘Equality Act' is anything but. It is a blatant attack on science, religious liberty, women and parents' rights," said Murphy. "Using the coercive power of the state to force people to recognize individuals by their ‘chosen' gender rather than their biological sex has awful implications for free speech and our society as a whole. The Democrats do not want to stop until they have complete and total control of every aspect of your life.

"The bill attacks religious groups, charities, and other interest groups that dare to differ ideologically and philosophically. It would force religious institutions to go against their beliefs in clear violation of the First Amendment. This bill would redefine sex to include the term ‘gender identity.' It allows biological men to participate in women's sports, which could theoretically mark the end of women's sports in America as we know it. The measure also allows physicians to administer puberty blockers and sex reassignment surgeries without parents' consent to underage minors, undermining parental authority.

"The bill also legalizes abortion through all nine months of pregnancy, and worse, provides taxpayer funding for it. This is an aberrant piece of legislation and I thoroughly regret its passage in the House. I pray that it does not survive the Senate in its current form."