I think a lot of you will want to read this

[johnridley]

AFA is asking people to call their reps about the non-discrimination bill going up for a vote soon. I probably will once I read up on it and confirm it's a good thing. I won't be saying what they're hoping I will.

For one thing, if this really does shake things up at the scouts, that's a great thing. The scouts have so many safeguards in place that I'd have NO problem with gay men being leaders. Many have in the past without being found out and without problems, I'm sure.

Donald E. Wildmon Founder & Chairman

ENDA (H.R. 2015) could enshrine "sexual orientation" in federal law Call Your U.S. Representative today to oppose ENDA The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) H.R. 2015 is likely to be voted on this week in the U.S. House. ENDA is aimed at providing heightened protections for a particular sexual behavior- homosexuality. It would grant special consideration on the basis of "sexual orientation" or "gender identity" that would not be extended to other employees in the workplace. That could spell trouble for Christian business owners, churches and faith-based groups. Proponents of the bill quickly point to "religious exemptions" in the bill, but most agree that it is a sham. Here is more information about ENDA H.R. 2015 from our friends at the Family Research Council: ENDA affords special protection to a group that is not disadvantaged. The issue is not job discrimination: It is whether private businesses will be forced by law to accommodate homosexual activists' attempts to legitimize homosexual behavior. The first "religious exemption" clause is very narrow and offers no clear protection to church-related businesses: Religious schools or charitable organizations, religious bookstores, or any business affiliated with a church or denomination fall outside this narrow definition, and could presumably be required to hire homosexual applicants. The second "religious exemption" clause fails to offer protection for all hiring by church-related organizations or businesses. The position of a teacher of religion at a church-related school would be exempt, but, e.g., that of a biology teacher would not. Thus, most of the teachers and staff at a religious school would be covered by ENDA, which means that the church would be forced to hire homosexual applicants for such positions-despite the fact that their lifestyle would be in direct opposition to the religious beliefs of the organization or company. It is unlikely that the "religious exemption" included in the bill would survive court challenge: Institutions that could be targeted include religious summer camps, the Boy Scouts, Christian bookstores, religious publishing houses, religious television and radio stations, and any business with fifteen or more employees. ENDA violates employers' and employees' Constitutional freedoms of religion, speech and association. The proposed legislation would prohibit employers from taking their most deeply held beliefs into account when making hiring, management, and promotion decisions. This would pose an unprecedented intrusion by the federal government into people's lives. ENDA would approvingly bring private behavior considered immoral by many into the public square. By declaring that all sexual preferences are equally valid, ENDA would change national policy supporting marriage and family. Take Action Clearly, this is an enormous threat to the freedom of religion and also places unfair burdens on businesses, which should be allowed to make employment decisions based on their religious convictions and business needs. Urgent! Click here to contact your U.S. Representative. Ask him or her to oppose the Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2007 (ENDA) H.R. 2015. Sincerely, Donald E. Wildmon, Founder & Chairman American Family Association P.S. Please forward this e-mail message to your family and friends!

Comments

[rmeidaking.livejournal.com]

Does "Freedom to practice the religion of one's choice" mean "Freedom to engage in the bigotry of one's choice"? That's the real question: Can you legally make hiring decisions based on your religious beliefs?

I tend to agree that a church, itself, could be allowed to do that. I don't think a generally secular business, e.g. General Motors or even Hobby Lobby, should be allowed to do that. I didn't have to be a Presbyterian, or even a Christian, to be the bookkeeper at the First Presbyterian Church in Kalamazoo, and that's a good thing. OTOH, I could see how the Orthodox Synagogue maybe shouldn't be required to hire Muslims, and shouldn't be subject to lawsuits if they do.

It's a thorny question.