Last week, Maggie reported on comments Jeb Bush made in California which could have been construed as opposing religious protections for Christian florists and bakers, though fortunately, it turned out to be a misunderstanding.
If there were still any doubts about his position, however, Bush put them to rest today during a campaign event in his home state. Speaking to a group of pastors, the former governor said:
If you’re a Christian florist and you have customers that come in…they should have the right to buy flowers from your store. There should be no discrimination. But if a gay couple comes into that same place and says ‘I want you to participate in my wedding. I want you to help create a beautiful floral arrangement,’ even if that person is a friend, if it goes against your conscience, you should not be compelled to participate in a wedding.
Although this appears to have been Bush’s consistent stance, it is nevertheless reassuring to hear him reaffirm his support for religious liberty. But what would he do as president to support these rights? We would love to see Gov. Bush endorse the First Amendment Defense Act or explain why he doesn’t support it. He’s been clear on what he would like to see protected, but what legislation will he support that will make a practical difference?
Cruz, Paul, Rubio and Graham are all co-sponsors of FADA. Where does Bush stand?
Paul Dupont is a legislative assistant for American Principles in Action.
