Religion Not An Excuse to Discriminate?

Connie Ryan Terrell, the executive director of the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa stated in today's Des Moines Register opinion section:

Some will argue that, based on religious beliefs, this legislation should not be passed. Most Iowans from an array of faith traditions support the belief that all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, must be treated with fairness and dignity.

As an evangelical I do believe all people need to be treated with fairness and dignity because all people have been created in the image of God. I oppose the Civil Rights legislation that was passed through the Iowa Senate and that will be soon debated in the Iowa House. It isn't because that I believe homosexuals and transgendered people don't have a right to work or a right to have a place to live. They do.

What if their "rights" comes into conflict with a biblical worldview? What if a homosexual seeks employment with a Christian organization? What if they want to become a volunteer? You see the current legislation provides a exemption for religious entities that are either a local church or a school, but does not provide an exemption for any other religious organization. Ministries like Serve Our Youth Network, Hope Ministries, Freedom for Youth Ministries, Central Iowa Youth for Christ and others. The Bible is very clear that homosexuality is a sin, and that lifestyle is inconsistent for those who want to be in leadership or a volunteer for a Christian organization, yet under this legislation if passed Christian organizations would potentially be required to hire homosexual and transgendered people.

Also, unlike race, sex, ethnicity, and age - sexual orientation is a matter of choice and behavior, not something that is uncontrollable. My biblical worldview guides me to that conclusion. Homosexuals and transgendered (as well as we all) have been born with a sin nature. Let's not let one's choice of behavior be elevated to be included in our Civil Rights code. Homosexual people already enjoy the same rights as heterosexuals. What they want is special rights, and to silence an opposition.