First Amendment Defense Act

S. 1598 in the 114th Congress (2015–2016) was introduced on Jun 17, 2015, sponsored by Mike Lee with 37 co-sponsors.

During the 114th Congress (2015–2016), Barack Obama was president, and Republicans held majorities in both the House and Senate.

Status: Introduced
Introduced: Jun 17, 2015
Co-sponsors: 37
Policy area: Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues

What it does

First Amendment Defense Act Prohibits the federal government from taking discriminatory action against a person on the basis that such person believes or acts in accordance with a religious belief or moral conviction that: (1) marriage is or should be recognized as the union of one man and one woman, or (2) sexual relations are properly reserved to such a marriage.

Summary by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service.

Sponsor

Mike Lee (R-UT). Co-sponsors: 37 Republicans.

Where it stands

IntroducedJun 17, 2015
Passed the Senate—
Passed the House—
Sent to the President—
Became law—

Latest action: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (Jun 17, 2015)

Other Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues bills in the 114th Congress

Committees

Judiciary Committee

From GovInfo bill records, Congressional Research Service summaries, Voteview roll calls and lobbying reports.

Cite or embed this page

Capitol Receipts, “S. 1598 (114th Congress): First Amendment Defense Act,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/bill/114-s-1598/first-amendment-defense-act (accessed 2026-10-13).