From The Federalist: Soon after Houston passed a ‘non-discrimination’ ordinance, it has ordered dissenting pastors to submit their sermons for legal review. So, what?
... "Pastors should absolutely not be bullied, and should absolutely not change what they preach. But nor should they be ashamed of it, nor afraid of the public dissemination and scrutiny of their words spoken from the pulpit. Even under the threat of persecution and imprisonment, preachers who take their calling seriously should continue to preach Christ and him crucified, even under the penalty of imprisonment and death." ...
New America: Ordained ministers threatened with jail unless they perform same sex marriages
... "This is a law that manifestly violates the Constitution so I wouldn't expect any court in America to uphold the city statute. But the fact that it was passed in the first place should raise the alarm that the assault on religious liberty has entered a new phase. The power of government is being used in the contraceptive controversy and now the gay marriage issue to force acceptance of practices totally at odds with the religious faith of millions of people." ...
Walking the Walk: Check Out What Ted Cruz Is Doing About Houston’s Crackdown on Religious Freedom ... "As many already know, Houston government officials have subpoenaed several prominent Christian pastors in order to obtain copies of their sermons and speeches as well as communications they have had with church members.
... "Pastors should absolutely not be bullied, and should absolutely not change what they preach. But nor should they be ashamed of it, nor afraid of the public dissemination and scrutiny of their words spoken from the pulpit. Even under the threat of persecution and imprisonment, preachers who take their calling seriously should continue to preach Christ and him crucified, even under the penalty of imprisonment and death." ...
... "This is a law that manifestly violates the Constitution so I wouldn't expect any court in America to uphold the city statute. But the fact that it was passed in the first place should raise the alarm that the assault on religious liberty has entered a new phase. The power of government is being used in the contraceptive controversy and now the gay marriage issue to force acceptance of practices totally at odds with the religious faith of millions of people." ...
Walking the Walk: Check Out What Ted Cruz Is Doing About Houston’s Crackdown on Religious Freedom ... "As many already know, Houston government officials have subpoenaed several prominent Christian pastors in order to obtain copies of their sermons and speeches as well as communications they have had with church members.
"The move was a result of radical anti-discrimination ordinances that forbid discrimination based on gender and sexual orientation. Many churches who opposed the laws found themselves on the receiving end of invasive questioning.
"Cruz slammed the efforts by Houston officials, saying in a statement, " ... More..
Legal Insurrection; Houston Mayor uses lawfare against local churches "Sparring over a city ordinance that would force businesses, among other things, to allow transgendered clientele the use of opposite sex restrooms or risk discrimination suits, Bayou City area clergy and the government aren’t exactly on the best of terms.
"Rather than placing the measure on the ballot, City Council enacted the reform via city ordinance. Rallying together, clergy and concerned citizens submitted over more than twice as many required to repeal the ordinance. Then the validity of the signatures was called to question by the city attorney." ...
Pastors to Mayor: Don’t Mess with Texas Pulpits ... " 'The government has absolutely no reason to bully congregations who are speaking out about what they believe,” he said. “It’s none of the government’s business.”
"Alliance Defending Freedom, a law firm specializing in religious cases, is representing the pastors. They accused City Hall of going on a fishing expedition.
“ 'City council members are supposed to be public servants, not ‘Big Brother’ overlords who will tolerate no dissent or challenge,” ADF attorney Erik Stanley said. “This is designed to intimidate pastors."
From the Houston Chronicle "City attorneys issued subpoenas last month during the case's discovery phase, seeking, among other communications, "all speeches, presentations, or sermons related to HERO, the Petition, Mayor Annise Parker, homosexuality, or gender identity prepared by, delivered by, revised by, or approved by you or in your possession.' "
Spelling errors corrected in the above texts. TD
Annise Parker, Houston’s mayor
Legal Insurrection; Houston Mayor uses lawfare against local churches "Sparring over a city ordinance that would force businesses, among other things, to allow transgendered clientele the use of opposite sex restrooms or risk discrimination suits, Bayou City area clergy and the government aren’t exactly on the best of terms.
"Rather than placing the measure on the ballot, City Council enacted the reform via city ordinance. Rallying together, clergy and concerned citizens submitted over more than twice as many required to repeal the ordinance. Then the validity of the signatures was called to question by the city attorney." ...
Pastors to Mayor: Don’t Mess with Texas Pulpits ... " 'The government has absolutely no reason to bully congregations who are speaking out about what they believe,” he said. “It’s none of the government’s business.”
"Alliance Defending Freedom, a law firm specializing in religious cases, is representing the pastors. They accused City Hall of going on a fishing expedition.
“ 'City council members are supposed to be public servants, not ‘Big Brother’ overlords who will tolerate no dissent or challenge,” ADF attorney Erik Stanley said. “This is designed to intimidate pastors."
From the Houston Chronicle "City attorneys issued subpoenas last month during the case's discovery phase, seeking, among other communications, "all speeches, presentations, or sermons related to HERO, the Petition, Mayor Annise Parker, homosexuality, or gender identity prepared by, delivered by, revised by, or approved by you or in your possession.' "
Spelling errors corrected in the above texts. TD
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