Jindal: Same-Sex Marriage Ruling Is ‘All Out Assault’ On Religious Liberty

Republican presidential candidate and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal (R) on Friday called the Supreme Court’s decision that same-sex couples have the right to marry anywhere an “all out assault” on Christians and their religious freedom.

“This decision will pave the way for an all out assault against the religious freedom rights of Christians who disagree with this decision,” Jindal said in a statement. “This ruling must not be used as pretext by Washington to erode our right to religious liberty.”

The governor further argued that the court could not alter the definition of marriage “established by God,” which is a union between a man and a woman.

Same-sex marriage was not legal in Louisiana before Friday’s Supreme Court decision. National Journal pointed out that Jindal, who’s courting the social conservative vote for 2016, could possibly take action to delay the start of same-sex marriages in the state.

Read Jindal’s full statement below:

The Supreme Court decision today conveniently and not surprisingly follows public opinion polls, and tramples on states’ rights that were once protected by the 10th Amendment of the Constitution. Marriage between a man and a woman was established by God, and no earthly court can alter that.

This decision will pave the way for an all out assault against the religious freedom rights of Christians who disagree with this decision. This ruling must not be used as pretext by Washington to erode our right to religious liberty.

The government should not force those who have sincerely held religious beliefs about marriage to participate in these ceremonies. That would be a clear violation of America’s long held commitment to religious liberty as protected in the First Amendment.

I will never stop fighting for religious liberty and I hope our leaders in D.C. join me.”