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 $1,000 fine for each day they decline to celebrate the same-sex wedding.”
The Alliance Defending Freedom has filed a suit in federal court to stop the city from enforcing the fine and jail sentence, saying in a statement from senior legal counsel Jeremy Tedesco that the government has overstepped its bounds, The Daily Caller reported.
“Many have denied that pastors would ever be forced to perform ceremonies that are completely at odds with their faith, but that’s what is happening here — and it’s happened this quickly,” Mr. Tedersco said, The Daily Caller reported.
But the city sees it differently. As far back as May, city officials were insisting that their ordinance is indeed in line with law.
“If you turn away a gay couple, refuse to provide services for them, then in theory you violated our code, and you’re looking at a potential misdemeanor citation,” said Coeur d‘Alene City Attorney Warren Wilson, to KXLY months ago.
Not under the Cons$#%&!@*ution of the United States of America.
Exactly what religion preaches hate and bigotry?
Idaho a POS liberal garbage State.
So much for Religious Freedom BUT I think they pick the wrong place to do this. These people in Northern Idaho don’t play. Ask Butler and his brood
Yes, Stand Your Ground! Gods Laws are higher than mans!!!
There is a division between church and state. Its not Governments place to insist a religion violate their beliefs. Inm that case lets start with the Muslims and their demands for special treatment
This is America, freedom of speech & religion. This has to be mulim related again. I do know they are bringing them over & leaving bunches of them in ID, MT, Mpls, Chgo & eastern states.
Idaho the next california.
Sue them for violating your rights
But their point is to push their agenda on everyone else…..to go to a gay pastor…that would be too easy! They want to be able to justify and rationalize their behavior….