Christians fear discrimination if pro-gay policy is adopted
Thu. July 22, 2010 10:40 PM by GoPride.com News Staff
Memphis, Tenn. -
Some Christian groups in Memphis are opposed to a new law that would outlaw discrimination against gays, on the basis that they would be discriminated against for their anti-gay beliefs.
The ordinance was sponsored by City Councilman Janis Fullilove at the request of the Tennessee Equality Project.
"All people should be able to make a living, to provide for their families and contribute to their communities without fear of losing their jobs for something that has nothing to do with their job performance," said Jonathan Cole with the Tennessee Equality Project. "Right now it's legal in Memphis to be fired simply because someone is gay or lesbian or transgender."
But one Christian group spoke out against the ordinance, saying their religion gives them the right to discriminate.
"[Forcing people to treat gays and lesbians equally] is going to discriminate against people of faith who are Christians in their worldview, and I believe with all my heart that they have rights too," says Bellevue Baptist Church Pastor Steven Gaines.
If you feel like you've heard of Gaines before, you're right. He's the one who kicked a softball team of his church league because they had a lesbian coach.
The ordinance was sponsored by City Councilman Janis Fullilove at the request of the Tennessee Equality Project.
"All people should be able to make a living, to provide for their families and contribute to their communities without fear of losing their jobs for something that has nothing to do with their job performance," said Jonathan Cole with the Tennessee Equality Project. "Right now it's legal in Memphis to be fired simply because someone is gay or lesbian or transgender."
But one Christian group spoke out against the ordinance, saying their religion gives them the right to discriminate.
"[Forcing people to treat gays and lesbians equally] is going to discriminate against people of faith who are Christians in their worldview, and I believe with all my heart that they have rights too," says Bellevue Baptist Church Pastor Steven Gaines.
If you feel like you've heard of Gaines before, you're right. He's the one who kicked a softball team of his church league because they had a lesbian coach.