Coeur d‘Alene, Idaho has created an ordinance that forces pastors to marry gays or go to jail and get fined.
This follows the legal battle in the same town with ministers Donald and Evelyn Knapp, who refused to marry a gay couple last year and now face a $1000 per day fine and up to 180 days in jail.
With this the government has decided that religious freedom is subservient to the sexual preference of others.
A federal judge recently ruled that the state’s ban on gay marriage was unconstitutional, while the city of Coeur d‘Alene has an ordinance that prevents discrimination based on sexual preference.
The Supreme Court’s recent refusal to take on gay rights’ appeals from five states has opened the doors for same-sex marriages to go forth.
The Knapps were just asked by a gay couple to perform their wedding ceremony, The Daily Caller reported.
“On Friday, a same-sex couple asked to be married by the Knapps, and the Knapps politely declined,” The Daily Signal reported. “The Knapps now face a 180-day jail term and a $1,000 fine for each day they decline to celebrate the same-sex wedding.”
The Alliance Defending Freedom has filed a suit in federal court to stop the city from enforcing the fine and jail sentence, saying in a statement from senior legal counsel Jeremy Tedesco that the government has overstepped its bounds, The Daily Caller reported.
“Many have denied that pastors would ever be forced to perform ceremonies that are completely at odds with their faith, but that’s what is happening here — and it’s happened this quickly,” Mr. Tedersco said, The Daily Caller reported.
But the city sees it differently. As far back as May, city officials were insisting that their ordinance is indeed in line with law.
“If you turn away a gay couple, refuse to provide services for them, then in theory you violated our code, and you’re looking at a potential misdemeanor citation,” said Coeur d‘Alene City Attorney Warren Wilson, to KXLY months ago.
Guess I’d have to go jail amen then I’d turn around and sue the city for everything it’s worth amen
That is wrong, govt needs to stay out of churches. Remember freedom of religion.
Freedom of religion…..shove it city council . Fire them all.
This is a fear mongering post. This is untrue as no legal ramifications can be brought upon a religious establishment for holding to their religious beliefs.
Gay marriage by judges only
Yep.. Religious freedom.. Unless your a hater…then it’s I can sue you into my way of life in your face…and your paying for it too..m
Stand your ground, Pastors. Vote for Trump.
UNCONSTITUTIONAL….TELL THE OVERTAKEN MUSLIM/TERRORIST INFESTED GOVT. TO PUT IT UP THERE DISCUSTING BUTT’S ALONG WITH ALL THEIR BUTT BUTTIES….
is it because of their tax status that the government is getting involved
agree