Could a Christian bookstore be forced to hire outspoken homosexual employees? If the Democratic Congress has its way, yes.
Last week, the U.S. House Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions Subcommittee held a hearing on the dangerous Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). The full House could vote on the bill this month.
ENDA would prohibit employers from making employment decisions — such as hiring, promotions and firing — based on an individual's "actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity."
Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, said it "could put the rights of homosexuals above employers', including some churches.
"Once this law goes into effect, I don't think you can guarantee that even churches themselves would be exempt."
House Minority Whip Rep. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., joined Perkins on his Sept. 8 radio broadcast.
"This Employment Non-Discrimination Act would do terrible things," Blunt said. While the bill purports to exempt religious groups, "It really doesn't do that. The court has to decide if your purpose is sufficiently religious enough in character. Are you a church? Are you only a church? Do you do other things? Do you have a daycare center?
"It's a terrible policy. We've worked hard over the years to continue to strengthen rather than weaken the ability of faith-based organizations to truly be faith-based in their hiring. And I think that's important, and it's a big part of the debate we need to have on this bill."
Blunt urged pro-family Americans to let their representatives know how they feel.
"Stay informed. Be knowledgeable," he said. "As much as possible, be out there as an independent force. Telephone calls still matter. Don't take anything for granted."
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FOR MORE INFORMATION
View CitizenLink Managing Editor Stuart Shepard's Stoplight video commentary ENDA Liberty.
