Guest: Anne Paulk; Should Christians get behind the Equality Act?
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Segment #1: Interview with Anne Paulk
Anne Paulk is the Executive Director of the Restored Hope Network, which focuses on Biblically faithful sexual and relational ethics. RHN is the umbrella organization for a coalition of ministries, pastors, and counselors across the U.S. and internationally that provides resources and referrals to help those seeking to leave homosexuality, transgenderism, or live in a Biblically faithful way in their singleness or married life before the Lord.
What is the Equality Act?
An attempt to provide federal civil rights protections to people who identify as LGBTQ. It would embed "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" into the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and make it a federally applicable protection. Therefore, just like with racism, people could be called transphobic and have law behind it, allowing for criminal impact or loss of business opportunity.
Are there any good aspects to the Equality Act that Biblically faithful Christians could get behind?
When we base rights on identity, that's when problems come in! Individuals made in the image of God are precious and deserve dignity. However, there is little in this act that Anne believes Christians can get behind. What we're seeing is discussion and disagreement is becoming weaponized...if you can't say someone is actually male or female, you're forced to lie and that becomes corrupting to all of culture.
Is the Equality Act really about equality?
No, it doesn't seem to be! What we're seeing is punitive efforts on the part of LGBT activists who would want to have this issue weaponized (meaning legal ramifications) to say that your religious freedoms don't matter; therefore, there is not a balancing of rights.
What will the impact be for non-profits, churches, etc if the Civil Rights Act is amended?
It would impact many areas...churches, schools, banking, and any form of accommodations, such as entertainment venues, gyms, locker rooms, anything that provides healthcare, colleges/dormitories, sports, and the list goes on. The Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) would not hold up as a protection!
Where is the bill now?
The Equality Act has currently passed the House and is awaiting enough votes in the Senate. Whether it passes this year or not, we need to be aware and prepared because this piece of legislation is not going away any time soon.
Be sure to check out the Restored Hope Network Conference! HOPE 2021 will be held ONLINE June 11-12, so you can join from anywhere!
Resources:
Anne's recent article on The Equality Act
Caleb Kaltenbach's analysis of the Equality Act is a MUST DOWNLOAD for every pastor and Christian non-profit leader who follows my page. It's 99 pages, but it is the best lay-accessible summary of the Equality Act and its potential implications for churches and ministries that I have read. It will help Christian leaders know what to expect and how to prepare.
Heritage Foundation's analysis of the "Fairness for All" alternative proposal.
Anne Paulk's book (banned by amazon): Restoring Sexual Identity: Hope for Women Who Struggle with Same-Sex Attraction
Author, Nancy Pearcey, discusses LGBT issues in her book, Love Thy Body
Connect with the guest
Email: anne@restoredhopenetwork.org
Segment #2: Live Chat Discussion, Announcements, and Tweet of the Week
During the live chat, we discussed viewers' questions and we had a thoughtful discussion about personal rights and freedom.
Krista's recent teaching series is a great resource for understanding the foundations of our country and the role of rights. One Nation Under God?
Scott Allen will be a guest on our show soon! Check out his book Why Social Justice is Not Biblical Justice
Segment #2 Resources
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