US House Considers Pro-Homosexual Bill

Story >

US House Considers Pro-Homosexual Bill

Special Report - September 19, 2007
A bill currently pending in the U.S. House could force organizations and businesses across the country to hire, promote, and compensate employees regardless of their “sexual orientation.” H.R. 2015–Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2007 is sponsored by Congressman Barney Frank (D–MA) along with 165 co-sponsors, including North Carolina Congressmen Brad Miller, David Price, and Mel Watt. The measure would prohibit “employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity,” meaning that employers would be prevented from making personnel decisions (including hiring, firing, and compensation) based on an employee’s “sexual orientation.” H.R. 2015 includes an exemption for any faith-based organization “which has as its primary purpose religious ritual or worship or the teaching or spreading of religious doctrine or belief.” The bill also includes an exception for the United States military. According to news reports, proponents are trying to move H.R. 2015 through the U.S. House quickly. The bill was considered before the House Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions on September 5.

“This non-discrimination bill is yet another attempt to legally legitimize and reward ‘alternative sexual behaviors,’ and it poses a serious threat to the religious liberties of employers and employees,” said John Rustin, director of government relations for the North Carolina Family Policy Council. “Our analysis of similar legislation on the state level has led us to the conclusion that the passage of this measure would actually give preferential treatment to individuals who flaunt their sexuality at work or in a job interview. If these individuals were passed over for a promotion or a job, regardless of their qualifications, they could sue claiming discrimination and force the company to defend its actions. The courts would also inevitably be forced to decide which kinds of organizations are religious enough to warrant exemption under this legislation,” said Rustin.