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Calif. Assembly Bill 2943

Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2018 6:29 am
by TK
This is from the Family Research Council- I was wondering what Steve and othe Californians think of all this.
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For several days, we have been receiving texts and emails with concerns about attack that is taking place on Christians and on the WORD OF GOD! .We are all too aware of the ever-increasing assault on our faith and the cultural “sneering” that is being directed at the Bible. We recognize that these things have real-world consequences: they fuel anti-Christian hostility and dramatically influence some with “weak or depraved minds” who are part of our national, state and local governments.
Consider the recent anti-Christian activity taking place in the California state legislature. Assembly Bill 2943 has the potential for impacting free speech, and would ban efforts to share or promote Christian teaching on sexual morality. Its broad reach leaves even simple religious speech on same-sex attraction or activities open to legal action...and threatens the basic human right of freedom of religion.

This Bill, which passed through the California State Assembly last week, now goes to the State Senate.
It would make any transaction attempting to change someone’s sexual orientation unlawful.
It seeks to amend the Consumer Legal Remedies Act (CRLA), a law that protects consumers from sellers who are mischaracterizing their product or service.
It would classify the advertising of or engaging in “gay conversion” therapy or sexual orientation change efforts, as a fraudulent business practice, asserting that the practice of trying to change someone’s sexual orientation is ineffective
It defines such efforts as “any practices that seek to change an individual’s sexual orientation, behaviors or gender expressions, or to eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic attractions or feelings toward individuals of the same sex”.
The inclusion of efforts to change behaviors as a banned activity leads many to believe that the bill could be used to prohibit the promotion of Christian sexual morality - through books, counseling, or teaching - and prevent adults from making decisions for themselves.

This bill inhibits the ability to share “the Gospel’s universal call for repentance and changes in behavior.” As a law, it could result in legal challenges to preachers who discuss sexuality, leading to harassment and legal challenges against preaching, literature, conferences and organizations that address sexual morality. This could include basic Christian and biblical teaching and counseling against unrepentant homosexual conduct -- something to which Bible-believing Christians across America hold.

This could lead to a prohibition on church bookstores selling books or materials which express the biblical and Christian position on unrepentant homosexual conduct, Christian counseling books on LGBT-related issues, and the Bible, considering what it says about homosexual conduct.

The bill clearly includes the sale of any books and materials that counsel according to a Biblical view of sexuality. Just because the bill doesn't say "the Bible is hereby banned" doesn't mean there wouldn't be enforcement against the sale of the Bible…or any other book which asserts that homosexual conduct is wrong.

Many Christians are simply expressing biblical position on sexuality and “drawing fire” for doing so. Anti-Christian groups are seeking the eradication of biblical beliefs and forces opposed to Christian beliefs on sexuality will eventually come against anyone and everyone who stands by biblical truth.

Many in our “fractured” society are openly opposed to the mere expression of biblical truth about sexuality. Part of the gospel message is the clear proclamation and recognition of sin. Without this, Christ's provision on the cross for our sins makes no sense; only with the admission of sin can we enter into true freedom and peace in Christ. We must not compromise on this true gospel message, and must fully trust God to guide us as we continue to do everything we can to win people to Christ. Although many will try to stamp out the gospel message...we must be prepared for this opposition when it comes, and continue proclaiming the truth for as long as we are able to do so! God be with us!

Ioan Peia

(Resource: Family Research Council)

Re: Calif. Assembly Bill 2943

Posted: Wed May 02, 2018 2:19 am
by MMathis
I often wonder who the homosexual crowd will turn to when they realize that the left favors the Muslim religion and will allow their daughters to be killed should they come out of the closet. If you don't believe that, you haven't been paying attention. Liberalism is a mental disorder.

Re: Calif. Assembly Bill 2943

Posted: Wed May 02, 2018 2:52 pm
by steve
I am concerned about this, and may be forced to move from California—depending on how this law is interpreted and enforced. I have known, and predicted, for decades that this kind of thing would be coming down the pike, and that it would someday impact my freedom to speak on the radio (and maybe on the internet, as well).

At this point it is only California. It seems that one of two things will happen: Either there will be a conservative backlash against this government overreach, possibly resulting in its nullification by the Supreme Court (if any case actually reaches that court), or it will set the trend for the rest of the country to follow. No one knows what direction our society may go, but little, other than the witness of the Church (and, possibly, the angry reaction of Muslims) will curtail this trend.

Fortunately, because I sell nothing, my activities should not be endangered by the present bill. Ostensibly, the suggested law is forbidding business transactions in which someone is selling books or services that are intended to change gender behaviors or orientations. I stand by the truth of scripture about sexual sin, but, since I charge nothing for my counsel, my ministry should be immune—for the time being. Of course, if this bill becomes law, it will only be a stepping-stone toward the curtailing of all statements, public or private, that someone regards to be "hate speech." That is when Christian preachers will either have to go underground, flee the country, or become prison ministers as inmates.

Ministries that operate as businesses (selling things) are far more vulnerable to this new law. While I don't think that ministries should be businesses, I am not opposed to Christians having Christ-honoring businesses, and this law would officially persecute those who are in such, if they are found to promote biblical morality. It is hard to believe that the law would withstand a constitutional challenge, if it was appealed to the Supreme Court.

Re: Calif. Assembly Bill 2943

Posted: Wed May 02, 2018 4:46 pm
by robbyyoung
Many in our “fractured” society are openly opposed to the mere expression of biblical truth about sexuality. Part of the gospel message is the clear proclamation and recognition of sin. Without this, Christ's provision on the cross for our sins makes no sense; only with the admission of sin can we enter into true freedom and peace in Christ. We must not compromise on this true gospel message, and must fully trust God to guide us as we continue to do everything we can to win people to Christ. Although many will try to stamp out the gospel message...we must be prepared for this opposition when it comes, and continue proclaiming the truth for as long as we are able to do so! God be with us!

Ioan Peia

(Resource: Family Research Council)
Hi TK and thanks for the heads-up.

I applaud the Family Research Council's concluding statement, because it's foundational to our (believers) role within society to speak the truth. I believe God is ruling over the kingdoms of this world; therefore, if their (Californians) folly or sin is ripe for judgement, we cannot resist God’s will as He gives them over to their own destruction. Is it painful for believers to witness this? Yes. But, as Americans, we are blessed with certain freedoms in the midst of all this ungodliness. Exercising our rights may or may not effect godly change, however, doing absolutely nothing in the heat of battle between good and evil is neglectful towards righteous and responsible behavior. If the bill passes, then believers in the state, if they choose to stay, must be wise as serpents but harmless as doves as they work to reverse the “unjust law” or probably not so simple, leave the state. Our prayers are never ending on behalf of mankind—but sometimes, “…Your will be done. Amen” is a bitter pill to swallow, nevertheless, His judgements are true, and the children of God who are paying attention are always blessed when walking in the light, in earnest having fellowship with God and man. Well, I’m praying for Californians and that this bill does not come to fruition.

God Bless!

Re: Calif. Assembly Bill 2943

Posted: Fri May 04, 2018 7:53 am
by RickC
Saw this this morning via Matt Walsh on Facebook:

New Bill Banning Biblical Views on Sexual Identity Forces Ministry to Shut Down Conference

The ministry is Summit Ministries. Short video explaining the cancellation.
God help Californian believers!
(and those who might want to believe)!
in Jesus' Name,
Amen