Warning: A Most Uncivil Law Is Coming
A vote in the House of Representatives could come as early as this Thursday on H.R. 5, the contentious bill that would place nearly all Christian ministries, religious organizations and faith-based companies in the crosshairs of discrimination lawsuits. The bill looks almost certain to pass in the House. Although passage in the Senate may be doubtful, the sheer audacity of this legislation should be taken as a cautionary tale.
The law adds sexual orientation and transgender identity as protected categories and then wildly expands the list of activities and organizations impacted by the civil rights law to include any public "gathering," "exhibition," "display" or anything involving the provision of goods or "any service or program." During one House subcommittee hearing, employment law expert Lawrence Lorber flatly acknowledged that the bill would apply to "churches" and "houses of worship."
