-California: State Passes Bill Ordering Pastors and Churches to Support LGBTQ Lifestyle

The California Sate Senate has passed a bill ordering pastors and churches to support the LGBTQ lifestyle regardless of religious beliefs. The bill was previously passed by the state Assembly so now it goes to the governor for his consideration and signature. From SBN News:

California Senate passed a resolution telling Christian clergy to accept and support LGBTQ ideology, even if doing so violates their Christian beliefs. …

CBN News previously reported that more than two dozen doctors, counselors, former homosexuals, and other Christian leaders signed a letter condemning the resolution, which they said violates religious freedom. …

Russell Willingham executive director of New Creation Ministries told CBN News, “I believe ACR-99 sets the stage for future laws that will criminalize pastor caregivers like me who provide such a resource – resources that offer an option for those who don’t want what the state is telling them they must accept.”

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Here’s a link to the entire text of the bill itself which includes the following resolutions:

Resolved, That the Legislature calls upon religious leaders to counsel on LGBTQ matters from a place of love, compassion, and knowledge of the psychological and other harms of conversion therapy; and be it further

Resolved, That in addressing the stigma often associated with persons who identify as LGBTQ, we call on the people of California–especially its counselors, pastors, religious workers, educators, and legislators–and the institutions of California with great moral influence–especially its churches, universities, colleges, and other schools, counseling centers, activist groups, and religious centers–to model equitable treatment of all people of the state; and be it further …

Response: It is a foregone conclusion that California Gov. Newsom will sign the bill into law. Fortunately there are no penalties for pastors or churches ignoring its provisions. However it sets a terrible precedent that is one small step away from legally forcing pastors and churches to ignore their own beliefs and Constitutional right to religious freedom. The bill should be challenged in court if it is signed into law.

Already Christian schools are under attack in the state when it comes to lifestyle rules on sexuality for students, teachers, and workers. Plus numerous churches are also in the midst of lawsuits against a state mandate that requires all health insurance policies to include coverage for elective abortion, even for churches and religious institutions.

When it comes to LGBTQ issues, the state authorities and the majority of elected political leaders in California seem to be formulating policies that actually make the state a hostile environment for conservative Bible believing Christians, churches, and religious institutions. The prevailing attitude among most of the elected state officials is that the LGBTQ lifestyle should trump religious freedom.

Religious liberty is viewed as mostly an excuse for bigotry and discrimination and should be limited when it comes to LGBTQ issues. Further more, according to most progressive leaders in the state, the traditional interpretations of the First Amendment need to be call into question and adjusted in light of the Supreme Court ruling in favor of same-sex marriage.               *Top