Proposed Fayetteville Ordinance Threatens Religious Liberty
The Fayetteville City Council is currently considering “Proposed Chapter 119: The Civil Rights Administration.”
Proponents are billing this proposal as an anti-discrimination ordinance protecting the rights of homosexuals and transgender people (i.e. people who disagree with their biological gender) in Fayetteville. However, the ordinance carries a number of unintended consequences:
1. The ordinance affects churches. Under this ordinance, churches who have religious objections to homosexuality or disagreeing with one’s biological gender could face criminal prosecution if they refuse to hire a gay or transgender job applicant to fill a “secular” staff position (e.g. bookkeeper, receptionist, etc.).
Many churches do not distinguish between “secular” and “non-secular” staff positions. This ordinance would force them to do so.
Churches could also be forced to open their fellowship hall or similar portions of their property for same-sex “wedding” receptions and similar functions they find objectionable.
2. The ordinance inadvertently allows men to use women’s restrooms, locker rooms, and changing areas. (more…)