Contact: Liberty Counsel Action, 407-875-1989, Media@LCAction.org

WASHINGTON, Sept. 16, 2016 /Christian Newswire/ -- The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (USCCR) report, "Peaceful Coexistence: Reconciling Nondiscrimination Principles with Civil Liberties," is a shocking example of the war against religious freedom in America. "The Commission's report is a shameful anti-American and anti-God document that trashes religious freedom," said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel.

Martin Castro, named USCCR chairman by President Obama in 2011, said that the words "religious freedom" and "religious liberty" have become merely code words for intolerance, Christian supremacy, racism, sexism, homophobia, Islamophobia and therefore must yield before LGBT anti-discrimination laws. Regarding sexual orientation and gender identity, this report also does not support those people who hold to their religious belief of traditional marriage as they provide services such as marriage licenses, photography, cake decorating or flower arranging.

The focus of the "Peaceful Coexistence" report states that granting religious exemptions to nondiscrimination laws "significantly infringes" on the civil rights of those claiming civil rights protections on the basis of "race, color, national origin, sex, disability status, sexual orientation and gender identity." The report calls for laws that eliminate exemptions or accommodation for religious convictions. Two members of the Commission dissented from the report.

"Chairman Castro is out of touch with reality and with our Constitution," said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel. "He and the other members of the Commission who agree with him want to throw out the First Amendment and trash religious freedom whenever faith and practice collides with an intolerant LGBT agenda. The report is a declaration of war against religious freedom. George Washington said anyone who works against the twin pillars of religion and morality cannot be called a 'Patriot.' This report is un-American," said Staver.

Liberty Counsel is an international nonprofit, litigation, education, and policy organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of life, and the family since 1989, by providing pro bono assistance and representation on these and related topics.