Post by Logan on Jul 6, 2016 3:59:35 GMT -6
Two conservative Iowa churches contend the Iowa Civil Rights Commission is violating their rights to free speech and religious liberty by censoring their views on human sexuality and forcing them to open restrooms to members of the opposite sex.
The Fort Des Moines Church of Christ filed a federal lawsuit Monday in U.S. District Court in Des Moines claiming the commission's interpretation of state civil rights law prohibits church members from making any public comments — including from the pulpit — that could be viewed as unwelcome to people who do not identify with their biological sex.
The federal lawsuit also names the city of Des Moines as a defendant because it has enacted a city ordinance that is nearly identical to a state law prohibiting discrimination by public accommodations.
The Des Moines church's concerns were echoed Tuesday by leaders of Cornerstone World Outreach, a nondenominational, Bible-based church in Sioux City. They said they are asking the commission to declare that Iowans have a right to speak from church pulpits about biblical teachings on sexuality. The Sioux City church also wants a declaration that Iowa churches are free to follow their religious doctrines in how they accommodate people in restrooms, locker rooms and living facilities.
Read more: www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2016/07/05/church-sues-state-iowa-over-transgender-bathroom-rules/86700392/
The Fort Des Moines Church of Christ filed a federal lawsuit Monday in U.S. District Court in Des Moines claiming the commission's interpretation of state civil rights law prohibits church members from making any public comments — including from the pulpit — that could be viewed as unwelcome to people who do not identify with their biological sex.
The federal lawsuit also names the city of Des Moines as a defendant because it has enacted a city ordinance that is nearly identical to a state law prohibiting discrimination by public accommodations.
The Des Moines church's concerns were echoed Tuesday by leaders of Cornerstone World Outreach, a nondenominational, Bible-based church in Sioux City. They said they are asking the commission to declare that Iowans have a right to speak from church pulpits about biblical teachings on sexuality. The Sioux City church also wants a declaration that Iowa churches are free to follow their religious doctrines in how they accommodate people in restrooms, locker rooms and living facilities.
Read more: www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2016/07/05/church-sues-state-iowa-over-transgender-bathroom-rules/86700392/