Ohio Senator JD Vance highlights a pattern of anti-Catholic actions by Vice President Kamala Harris, urging Americans to protect religious freedoms from government overreach
In his weekend op-ed in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Senator JD Vance took a firm stance against what he perceives as Vice President Kamala Harris’s continued hostility toward people of faith. Through an incisive recount of Harris’s record, Vance outlined instances he considers evidence of anti-Catholic bias, pointing to a pattern of actions that range from dismissing Catholic traditions to enacting policies that undermine core religious freedoms. Vance’s critique serves as both a defense of the faith and a broader warning about the dangers of governmental overreach into religious matters.
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One of Vance’s key contentions lies in what he calls Harris’s “consistent pattern” of disregarding faith practices and values. He begins by highlighting recent incidents, such as Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s skit mocking the Eucharist and Harris’s decision to skip the Al Smith Dinner, a high-profile Catholic charity event. For many, these actions may appear minor, but to Vance, they represent a more profound statement by Harris, especially when viewed alongside Harris’s broader legislative and judicial record.
Religious Freedom
Vance goes on to emphasize Harris’s track record on issues that directly impact the religious rights of faith-based communities. For example, as a U.S. senator, Harris notably challenged the suitability of federal judge nominee Brian Buescher simply for being a member of the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic organization. This questioning, Vance argues, is a clear violation of religious freedom, as it veers dangerously close to a religious test for public office. Vance’s assessment points to this moment as emblematic of a troubling trajectory in Harris’s approach to faith in the public sphere—one that could have broader implications for people of all religious backgrounds if not challenged.
The op-ed further underscores the Harris-Biden administration’s legislative actions that Vance perceives as antagonistic to people of faith. Citing Harris’s support for the Equality Act and the Do No Harm Act, Vance argues that these bills threaten to erode constitutionally protected religious freedoms. Vance contends that they could force Catholic institutions and individuals into compromising their beliefs, from hosting same-sex weddings in churches to performing medical procedures at Catholic hospitals that contravene their faith.
DOJ’s Response Highlighted
Vance’s commentary raises concerns about the DOJ’s response to religiously motivated incidents under the current administration. He highlights cases like the 2022 FBI raid on Catholic pro-life activist Mark Houck’s home, juxtaposed against the DOJ’s seemingly lenient approach toward incidents of church vandalism. According to Vance, this disparity signals a dangerous precedent, one where the government might selectively enforce laws based on ideological alignment rather than justice.
Vance’s message ultimately challenges all Americans to consider the broader implications of this alleged bias. “If politicians can use the power of the government to target Catholics for their faith,” Vance warns, “they can trample any of the rights we hold dear if those rights get in the way of their agenda.” This perspective serves as a sobering reminder of the value of protecting the First Amendment’s religious freedom clause, especially in an era of intense political division.
The piece not only brings attention to the struggles Catholics currently face in navigating their faith within an increasingly secular public sphere but also speaks to the need for unity across faith and ideology. By appealing to a shared respect for religious freedom, Vance’s commentary is a rallying call for those who believe that the state’s power should not extend into dictating matters of personal belief.
