From: ross@prpa.philips.com (Ross Morley)
Subject: Anti Gay Discrimination Laws (was TANGENT: ...)
Organization: Philips Research Palo Alto
Distribution: usa
Date: Mon, 25 Jan 1993 20:10:08 GMT

mcr@meaddata.com (Mary Ries) writes:

>I heard a broadcast about the activities of "The Christian Coalition"
>in Colorado on christian radio. From what I understand, when they say
>they want to prevent "special treatment", they are ultimately trying
>to avoid a situation where you can not *fire* a person who
>demonstrates a sexual orientation that is in conflict with the beliefs
>of a private organization (for example, a a private christian
>elementary school should be able to fire a gay employee who actively
>promotes homosexuality as an acceptable alternative lifestyle to the
>children of the school).

>I would support a law that has this goal... although I think if a gay
>person agrees _not_ to promote beliefs conflicting with a private
>organization's policies, they should not be discriminated against for
>hire.  It could get tricky, but I think it could work.

I have a problem with the idea that a teacher can teach what he/she
doesn't believe in, especially when teaching children in the area of
moral values. If a teacher is a practicing homosexual the kids will
pick this up, or at least pick up attitudes arising from belief in this
lifestyle, even if the teacher does not consciously and deliberately
promote it. Teachers should believe in what they teach, else they are
being false and will confuse the kids and unconsciously convey the
message that it's O.K. to be a hypocrite. For this reason I think it is
imperative that Chirstian schools have the freedom NOT to hire teachers
whose lifestyle conveys a message contrary to God's moral standards
clearly set forth in scripture.

This is not only a problem with schools, but also churches and
Christian organizations that have paid staff. A church must be free to
choose staff that believe in the moral principles they are trying to
promote.  When churches are forced to hire homosexual pastors, it will
no longer be possible for Godly churches to pay their pastoral staff.

Even so, it would not stop the church from functioning. It would
require a revamp of the way churches and Christian schools and other
organizations are organized. Full-time staff would have to be supported
in non-monetary ways, with housing, food, clothing and education for
their kids, etc., provided directly by the members of the congregation.
Many tasks now done by full-time staff might be handled by several
vounteers working in their "spare" time. Small congregations meeting in
homes might become more common.

Introduction of things like this seem to be only a matter of time...
but the effect of this persecution on the church (the body of Christ)
will be, as history has shown, a purification of the church,
challenging the church to become more real in it's practice of
Christianity, and revealing congregations that are not really serious
about following Christ.

Ross

-- 
Ross Morley                   .---.     email:  ross@prpa.philips.com
Philips Research Palo Alto   |  ___\    Phone:  (415) 354 0325
4005 Miranda Ave, Suite 175   \/    \   FAX:    (415) 354 0309
Palo Alto, CA 94304           ^^