WASHINGTON – Senators John Kennedy (R-La.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), and James Lankford (R-Okla.) have joined forces to introduce the Families’ Rights and Responsibilities Act, aimed at safeguarding and reinforcing parents’ rights to raise their children according to their values.
Senator Kennedy, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, emphasized the necessity of protecting parents’ fundamental rights in the face of what he termed as “woke officials treating American parents like second-class citizens.”
“Far too often, woke officials treat American parents like second-class citizens for making decisions about their own kids’ upbringing and education. Congress must protect moms’ and dads’ basic rights under the law, and that is what this bill would do,” said Kennedy.
The proposed legislation seeks to prevent federal government overreach into parental rights without undergoing strict scrutiny, the highest level of judicial review. It provides parents with the ability to challenge any violation of the Families’ Rights and Responsibilities Act in judicial or administrative proceedings at both the federal and state levels. The scope of this legislation extends to cases involving Title IX, gender-transition, and other areas where public officials may attempt to infringe upon parental rights.
Senator Scott stressed the importance of reinstating parents as primary decision-makers in their children’s lives. “Parents have a fundamental right to control the upbringing of their child, whether it’s in the classroom or at home. Yet, far too often, parents are being pushed out of their child’s lives, and kids are paying the price. I’m fighting to put parents back in the driver’s seat and ensure they remain the lead decision-maker in their child’s life,” said Scott.
Senator Lankford echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that good parents should not live in fear of government intrusion into their daily lives. “Whenever parental rights are threatened by federal government overreach, families deserve a fair hearing before a court. The Families’ Rights and Responsibilities Act preserves the rights of parents and restricts government overreach into our homes and families,” said Lankford.
Representative Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) introduced the legislation in the House of Representatives. Foxx highlighted the critical role the Families’ Rights and Responsibilities Act plays in safeguarding parental rights and serving as a check against government policies that fail to respect parental decision-making.
The Families’ Rights and Responsibilities Act aims to affirm parents’ fundamental rights, prevent substantial federal burdens without strict scrutiny, and empower parents to challenge violations at both federal and state levels. In a climate where parental rights face increasing challenges, this legislation represents a concerted effort to reinforce and protect the rights of parents across the nation.
Note: This article is based on a press release from Senator John Kennedy’s office.