However, Coakley criticized a provision in the legislation which “would advance a false understanding of gender and sexuality.”
The USCCB told CNA the provision Coakley was referring to was in Section 60307 of the bill.
The provision states: “No individual in the United States may, on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity that is funded in whole or in part with funds made available to carry out this title.”
Coakley affirmed that “Catholic institutions must be free to serve everyone with respect and dignity in accordance with our beliefs.” The conference in the past has advocated against sexual orientation and gender identity nondiscrimination provisions in federal programs, as Catholic organizations could be disqualified from participation due to the Church’s teachings on marriage and sexuality.
Coakley also insisted that no taxpayer money go towards abortion. Some pro-life leaders have expressed concern that a proposed budget package – which could accompany the infrastructure bill in its eventual passage – could contain billions of dollars in health care spending without prohibitions on funding of abortions.
“It is critical that any proposal to expand health care coverage avoid an expansion of taxpayer funding of abortion,” Coakley said.
Credit: Source link