There’s been an increase in hostility.
Senator Mike Lee, R-Utah, has expressed concerns that federal lawmakers have become increasingly antagonistic toward Christians, noting a level of discrimination that he believes is unprecedented in U.S. history.
In a recent interview with conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, Lee affirmed that he has observed a rise in hostility toward Christianity and organized religion within Washington, D.C. Although Lee, a Mormon, acknowledged a generally positive atmosphere of religious tolerance among his Senate colleagues, he has become troubled by what he perceives as unconstitutional religious tests for judicial nominees that have emerged since the Trump administration.
Lee pointed out that he has witnessed disturbing developments over the past few years, including instances where some Democratic senators have questioned judicial nominees based on their religious beliefs. He recalled a notable incident involving the late Senator Dianne Feinstein, who expressed concerns during Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation hearing to the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Feinstein suggested that Barrett’s Catholic faith might impair her impartiality, a remark Lee found unsettling.
Additionally, Lee recounted an exchange with Senator Mazie Hirono in 2019, who questioned nominee Neomi Rao about her views on same-sex relationships during her confirmation hearing. Lee intervened, feeling that Hirono’s questions were overly intrusive and potentially indicative of a broader issue of bias.
Carlson questioned whether such attitudes reflect a lack of self-awareness among some lawmakers, with Lee acknowledging that the hostility towards Christians seeking public office is an unprecedented development in American history. He noted that, unlike past generations, there is now an emerging trend of discrimination based on religious beliefs, which he finds historically unusual.
Lee also noted that such bias is not evident when it comes to other religious identities, such as Judaism, suggesting that media bias may play a role in this disparity. In the same conversation, Lee shared observations about President Joe Biden’s declining mental acuity, including moments where Biden appeared confused or unable to recall previous encounters.