Signs Of The End Times: New LGBT Protection Law Will Criminalize Opponents?

HEATHER SELLS cbnnews.com More than 180 cities across the country have now passed LGBT laws that suppress the views of Christians. Dubbed "nondiscrimination" by LGBT activists, the ordinances provide new protection for sexual minorities while also severely curtailing religious liberty. So far, the laws have gone largely unnoticed. But a measure passed in San Antonio Sept. 5 has drawn national attention, both for its scope and for passing in this large, Hispanic-majority city traditionally known for its family values. The ordinance forbids discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Although hundreds of believers across San Antonio attended a city council hearing to protest the ordinance; it passed easily with an 8-3 vote, backed by Mayor Julian Castro, a rising star in Democratic politics. The Sunday after the vote, CBN News visited churches across the city where believers expressed shock over the vote and fear about what it would mean... "The right for us to speak out and say, 'I disagree. It doesn't sound right.' Now we're labeled a hater, a bigot, homophobic," Jacob Herrera, with Faith Outreach Center International, explained. "It criminalized what you thought about the LGB community and I don't think that's right." Leonard Pena, with Abundant Life Church, said. "My faith, my belief and how I've raised my family—I can get in trouble for that because they don't agree with that," Rosalie Astran, a fellow church member, said. Councilman Carleton Soules, one of the "no" votes, questioned the ordinance's supporters repeatedly during the public hearing. He later told CBN News he thought the measure was acted on too quickly. "We didn't put the ordinance up on the website," he said. "It was fast-tracked through. Anytime we are going at light speed to do something that's unpopular that throws a lot of red flags." Red Flags For San Antonio's faith community there are several red flags. The ordinance criminalizes those with a biblical view of sexuality as it forbids bias against homosexuality or bi-sexuality. Those charged and declared guilty by the city will face a Class C misdemeanor on their record and fines of up to $500 a day. Also, the ordinance forbids appointed officials on city boards from showing any bias. Allan Parker, president of The Justice Foundation, a San-Antonio-based Christian legal nonprofit, has worked to analyze and explain the ordinance for San Antonio's churches. He said the ordinance is vague and unclear but he believes it can and will be used against Christians, especially those in the business world who disagree with unbiblical sexuality. "The leverage of the city to pressure any business to caving in is enormous under this," he explained. Even Councilman Soules is warning people of faith. "I believe if you're a small business owner, operating within the city limits of San Antonio, or you're a business owner that wants to do business with the city, you need to tread carefully," he said. to read more click here: cbnnews.com