I despise the homo agenda. Yet these pastors don’t seem to understand they willingly forfeited their constitutional rights for money. Churches apply for 501c3 status so they can ensure their congregation tax-exmpt donations. And they incorporate presumably to limit liability. When they incorporated as 501c3 corporation they became subservient to their master the state. A corporation is a creation of the state, not of God, and it is subservient to its creator. Then they further agree not to speak about particular political bills or candidates when they sign the 501c3 papers.
Don’t send them money, sermons, or congregants. Send them an education, and tell them to unincorporate and rescind their 501c3.
I totally agree. Adopting 501(c)(3) status enslaves your church (or other non-profit organization) to Caesar and all his dictates. Speak out of turn and the IRS Gestapo will come after you and shut you down. However, It’s not the IRS that’s coming after these folks this time, though that’s probably not far off at this point.
Despite the radical far left composition of the Houston City Council, opponents of the ordinance are far and wide. A petition drive to repeal the ordinance generated more than 50,000 signatures – far more than the 17,269 needed to put a referendum on the ballot. However, the city threw out the petition in August over alleged “irregularities.”
Not to be daunted by this whimsical and unfounded administrative rebuff, opponents of the “bathroom bill” filed a lawsuit. Under the guise of “discovery,” the city’s attorneys responded by issuing subpoenas against the five pastors that not only targeted their sermons but also private papers and correspondence that dealt with homosexuality, gender identity, or the city’s mayor.
Clearly, the Ordnance’s proponents knew there was opposition to it in the Houston clerical community. The discovery motions collectively constituted a not-so-veiled attempt to both stifle further opposition and help amass an enemies list for future adverse actions. And this is where we are today.
By its actions, the City of Houston is attacking both the First and Fourth Amendment rights of the pastors. The Fourth Amendment is specific:
“The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause...”
The implication here is that unless you’re suspected of having committed a crime and a warrant has been sworn out against you then your papers and effects are protected against unreasonable search and seizure.
What crime have the pastors committed except to preach the gospel and participate in the legitimate legal process by attempting to repeal an unpopular and unjust ordinance?
And why hasn’t the argument been made about strait women being threatened by this ordinance? Men’s and Ladies’ rooms are Men’s and Ladies’ rooms for a reason. Simple modesty means we don’t want folks of the opposite sex in there with us when we need some private time - even if they’re wearing a skirt.