The Equality Act.
It sounds like something everyone should agree with.
Well, that's just the problem. It *sounds* like something everyone should agree with.
However, it is something every Christian (and I would argue any religious belief that disavows anything other than two sexes and monogamous, heterosexual marriage) should be concerned with. This act not only will violate the laws of the Constitution by prohibiting the free exercise of religion, but it will force people to go against their own conscience for something that they believe is morally wrong. And all of those with a "separation of church and state" mentality should never support this, because, in the same letter, Jefferson is also quoted as that, "believing with you that laws extend to actions only and not consciences," and he goes forth to propose that the government officials no longer should oppress churches. Thus was the intent of his letter: to prevent government oppression of churches.
This Equality Act completely disavows the consciences of those who would believe that this bill promotes blatant immorality. More than that, it infringes on the rights of many Americans who want to freely practice their religion without fear of legal persecution. This would bring precedent to persecute--with legal action--anyone who opposes the sexual facet of the progressive religion. This includes churches, religious organizations, Christian schools, and many other organizations. As Christians, we cannot stand for this.
This not only would directly affect churches, but it would limit where Christians can practice business. They would not be able to offer ANY goods or services, legal advice, or what have you without accommodating to this radical progressive agenda that our leaders are now pushing through Congress. Therefore, it would not only handicap churches in how they can practice their beliefs, but it would also severely handicap and punish Christians that try to practice any other type of business. A minister could not refuse to marry on the basis of whether or a couple was same-sex. A church could not refuse membership to a parishioner who was living in open immorality according to the Bible. A Christian would not be able to start a business or offer goods or services without first bowing their heads to the gods of progressivism.
I know someone is going to argue, "Well, the government is our authority! Romans 13 says so!" No, God and His Word is our final authority. We are obligated to the government, so long as the government does not try and force us to comply against something that the Bible says. If that happens, we are to "obey God rather than man." Following this logic, I guess abortion is okay as long as the government says so, right? They're our authority.
The bottom line: Christians should oppose this "Equality Act," for it is no equality at all, but equity. It is ensuring that everyone has equal outcomes, even if the rights of others are destroyed in the process. It is not the right of someone to shove something down your throat against your moral conscience. It is not the right of someone to force you to accept something or change your moral code simply because they feel a certain way. Morality is objective. It does not change with feelings. Therefore, we as Christians cannot accept this Equality Act is something to be embraced, rather, it must be condemned in the strongest possible way.
