Fifty pastors gathered in Fayetteville, Arkansas this morning for a briefing on how they can effectively address important social issues facing their churches and communities. A main topic of discussion was the City’s new special rights law -- the 119 ordinance.
While supporters of this ordinance say it’s only meant to address “discrimination” in areas like housing and employment issues, the actual wording of the law reveals that it will go much further. This controversial ordinance elevates sexual orientation and gender identity to the level of being a “civil right” and even goes so far that it gives these new classes more rights or special privileges than those for race, gender, or religion.
Among other things, it would allow males who claim to be transgender to enter gender-sensitive areas such as women’s bathrooms, locker rooms and overnight shelters. Churches could face criminal prosecution for refusing to hire against their religious beliefs for positions deemed “secular” like a church secretary, receptionist, and bookkeeper, and it adds a cumbersome and dangerous new regulation for local businesses. Recognizing this, groups like the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce have come out in support of repealing this law citing 33 different problems they found with it.
At the briefing, Dr. Kenyn Cureton, FRC’s Vice President of Church Ministries, discussed the importance of standing together and being a clear voice as people of faith work together to address this matter. After the briefing, the pastors and speakers hosted a press conference to urge the citizens of Fayetteville to take a stand for their community and repeal 119 during the special election coming up December 9th. For more information on the ordinance, visit repeal119.com.
