Republican presidential candidate Marco
Rubio has pledged to reverse an executive order barring anti-LGBT
workplace discrimination among federal contractors.
Rubio, also a Florida senator, made his
remarks during an interview with David Brody of the Christian
Broadcasting Network (CBN).
Brody asked Rubio what he would do as
president to maintain religious freedom.
“There’s no doubt that we need to
be extra vigilant now about protecting the religious liberties of
Americans and that includes having a justice department that’s
vigilant about ensuring that those who hold traditional values are
not being discriminated against,” Rubio answered. “That includes
reversing any administrative decisions made by this President that
force religious, or religious motivated entities. You may not be
owned by a church, but you are a religious school, or your mission is
to spread the Gospel and adhere to God’s teachings ensure that
people in the private sector and the not-for-profit sector are being
protected in living out their faith.”
Last year, President Barack Obama
signed an executive order barring contractors doing business with the
federal government from discriminating on the basis of sexual
orientation and gender identity.
“There are many government
contractors and small companies who provide services to the
government who are faith-based people, and they are being compelled
to sin by government in their business conduct. That is not
something we should be supporting,” Rubio
said.
(Related: Marco
Rubio says gay marriage ruling can be ignored because it conflicts
with “God's rules.”)