Assembly votes to violate the 1st Amendment

By on April 19, 2018 in Culture, Faith, Healthcare, Law, Liberty, Rights
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AB 2943 bans books, conferences, counseling advocating Muslim, Jewish, and Christian views on gender and sexual orientation

The California Assembly approved a bill today 50-18 that tells churches and other with traditional beliefs about gender and sexual orientation that advocating for their views could get them sued. AB 2943, declares “advertising, offering to engage in, or engaging in sexual orientation change efforts with an individual” is illegal under state’s consumer fraud law.

“The State of California has no right to deny its residents the resources to help them find happiness or to shut down counselors, schools, and religious organizations that provide those services,” said California Family Council CEO Jonathan Keller, in response to today’s Assembly vote. “Every person experiencing unwanted same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria must be allowed to pursue help in achieving their desired goals and outcomes.”

The implications of this legislation spread far beyond regulating the type of counseling offered by licensed therapists, who are already banned from helping minors with unwanted same-sex attractions. Several legal experts have confirmed that by targeting financial transactions, AB 2943 threatens the ability of religious non-profits, churches, and pastors from selling resources that help people practice their faith.

Watch the Assembly Floor Debate on AB 2943 below. (At the 7:25 minute mark listen to Assemblyman James Gallagher explain the Christian position on the transformative power of the Gospel)

Here are links to hearing testimony and other opposition resources:

 

(72) Comments

      • Monica

        This law violates everything this country stands for. If someone is seeking help. they should be allowed to get it. We all have the God-given right to make a choice. If someone is asking for that specific type of help. I don’t see why the person who is helping meet that request is the one who will get in trouble. I could see if people are beating people over the head with unsolicited information, just based on personal bias then yes that is wrong on any front. The first amendment gives up the freedom of speech. There are many people who use this amendment and hurl racial and religious slurs at many different people of all different backgrounds and laws haven’t been changed to solve that, so why is this issue a one-sided street. If someone disagrees with me I am just going to create a law to punish them. That doesn’t make sense. This country is getting away from what made this a beautiful country and becoming more like a dictatorship every day. We need to vote for better leaders.

        Reply
    • Rodney A. Prince

      Romans 1:21-32 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
      22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
      23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
      24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
      25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
      26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
      27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
      28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
      29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
      30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
      31 Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
      32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

      Reply
      • Deborah Scott

        Amen to that. I am a 25 year combat veteran. With a long long family history of veterans. We have found for God and country to protect and defend our constitutional rights. This unicorn all fluff Bambi’s Lambie crap is running this nation. Take all those who are running this train , By them a one way ticket to the worst country on Earth or inslave them and then see what they have to say. Most if not all have never served this country or anyone else in any way ever. Selfish blind stupidity. say have a nice life. Those of us of faith know what is happening and what is coming. We must ALL come together to stop this noncense. No matter your orientation or belief, because if we don’t all of us will be “controlled” no matter who you are or what you believe. The many will serve the one. If you don’t assimilate you will be destroyed. Pray for forgiveness for our many sins as individuals and as a nation. Without God we are lost. Well… Those who are against God.

        Reply
    • Maria Hidalgo

      God bless you all. I received this news yesterday from a friend in Christ. We must unite in fast prayer just like when Esther. Our God still hears but sometimes we all need a wake-up call. Some of us have forgotten to fast, pray and read the Bible. Prayer does move mountains does change when we fast we open the windows of Heaven. God will change their confused sex. Is against God to be homosexual lesbian, God did Adam and Eve. If California keeps it up against look what happen those fires, worst thing just like Sodom and Gomorrah. It has happened that Gay man has been changed by the Holy Spirit. What is wrong that they want to use the bathroom to violate the straight humans. Hell is waiting for them Revelations 20:10-15 those that go against the Bible because some people think is just a BOOK. The Bible says those that their name is not written in the Book of Life will be sent to the Lake of Fire. The Bible is a map of how to raise your kids, to know that you must work to eat not to apply for Food Stamp, how to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. If we tell the people that the life of Gay is not written we tell them with love is because we do not want them to go to hell. A lot of the Gay were violated, others their a family member might have critisize, someone that was gay, then the demonic spirit will possess a family member to humiliate them. Satan is a friend that you could not trust because he will turn his back on you, not Jesus. Satan is happy because more people will be going to hell. Through the Holy Spirit which the Bible was written, we must ask our Lord to help us find the right church. We must be sure that where we put our tithe is a place where changes are being done according to the Will of God. Not where the person is living in luxury. If a leader is overweight that is letting you know that they have not fasted through the years of preaching. God could heal short legs, arms, put eyes where children did have one. One of my kids a tonsil needed to be removed, but through Fasting and prayer and the Word in the name of Jesus, she was healed. Aids has been healed through the blood of Jesus. What man offers is temporary band aid God is permanent. One of my kids their heel cracked, I was not aware it has a name Achilles Heal, I asked my child to sit down and layed my hand on the foot, glory to God, he was able to get up, the next day the child mentioned it to the P.E. teacher and she told the child you should be in the hospital, that is what my God, my Jesus and my Holy Spirit does makes perfect, it could change a gay and lesbian. That is why it is important to pray, fast and read the Bible in order for people that enter a CHURCH that changes could happen, I had spoken to a gay couple and they told me that they have gone to churches but nothing happens, I have told them because they went to a freezer a building only, but if you go to a church full of the Holy Spirit lives will be transformed. Where I live I still do not find a real Holy Church filled, because the church is just like the church of Laodicea, warm, in modern status. Celebrating Christmas, which the Apostles did not celebrate it no Christmas trees, pagan celebration, Valentines against God and all those pagan celebrations Mother, Father days, Jesus and no one in the Bible were bussy celebrating neither Halloween where sacrifice of kids and on Christmas happens. Wake up church if you really want to serve the real Christ. Gay and lesbian are full of demonic spirit, that has blinded them. Sickness are demonic spirit, even a cold. I was working for a business that has 3 floors, this co-worker said to me “you are made of steel” I thought that she meant that I was cold hearted, I tried to help go out of my way. “why?” I asked her, she said because everyone on the 3 floors we have gotten sick and some have ended in the hospital but not you, you have not gotten sick” I smiled and gave thanks to God, mentally. I answered to her pointing toward heaven my back toward her I was in my cublicle dealing with some boxes, I told her “because I have my Doctor” she asked me since her back was towards mine I noticed. “Which doctor from the health insurance you have?” I went so she could see I pointed again above me, glory to God. She responded oh that one does not fail. I do not think is fair either for us Christians to have been forced by Ex President Obama to have health insurance if we do have a real Doctor above all doctors, yet we must pay penalty if we did not get insurance. Who will reimburse that money? I am a victim of Obama, and those that voted for him, he left all those legions of demons of abortion, same sex so they could violate children because they openned the doors for adoption to violate and confused children that it is normal. God created Adam and Eve, Abraham was married to Sarah, Please read the Bible. If the Christians must sell and move and leave all those lesbians and gay leave just like when Lot left Sodom. That way God will punish those in California. Pray and fast for them some of them might get the spirit of blindness removed it is never too late. While we are alive we have hope, after death it is toooooo late.

      Reply
  3. Stephen

    The chrurch has no right to force people into disproven pseudoscience and your homophobic “therapy”. Good for them. People need to be protected from your hate.

    Reply
    • Greg Burt

      No one is being forced to do anything. The way to defeat an idea you think is bad, harmful, and wrong in the market place of ideas. Do you really want to give the government the authority to decide which ideas are true or false. If you don’t value free speech, just wait until the government bands you from promoting an idea they think is wrong.

      Reply
    • Elizabeth

      Before long they will ban you from being able to say what you want as well. Don’t think it will just apply to certain one’s. It will hit home with everyone!

      Reply
    • Ann

      You need to read “Atheism Kills” by Barak Lurie. We Christians are NOT trying to force our religion on anyone. It’s a free choice, just as God wants it to be. The non-believers are literally ruining the world.

      Reply
    • Kevin

      Stephen – the church forces no one to do or think anything! But if someone wants out of the homosexual lifestyle, shouldn’t they be allowed the resources? Or do you think people should be “forced” to remain in a condition or situation that they do not want?

      Reply
    • Denise hetzel

      It’s not hate. When people want help they should have the right to get it! We don’t hate people who believe differently….we hate sin!!! When people want freedom from any sin (not just this one) pastors and counselors should have the freedom to use all the resources at hand to help free those peoples. If someone doesn’t want any help, that is their choice too. This is a very serious issue!!!!

      Reply
    • Monica

      The church is not Homophobic. The church is supposed to stand for loving all people. Now the church deals with the issue of sin, but no sin is greater than another all sin needs to be dealt with.Even with that, we all have a choice. The issue is people have the right to disagree and be ok. as I have with the first statement that I made in this response That doesn’t mean I hate you and would not help you if you needed it.. However when the disagreement becomes one-sided that what makes the problem. Its ok for you to think the church is homophobic and teaches disproven Pseudoscience. that is your personal right; but how can you tell me that if I disagree that equals hate. Can we say the same if people disagree with us that equals hate? No. It is a difference of opinion. I have friends who are believers and I have friends who are not. I love all people and all the Christian brothers and sisters I know love all people. People just don’t like that we disagree with something which is our right. The Hate you are speaking off is onesided. Jesus in the word came to love, teach, comfort. and to redeem, He did not come to teach hate, shame or separate he dealt with people sins in a loving way as a parent with a small child. We are called to live the same. I do want to say I am sorry If you or anyone else has been hurt by confused people. Christians are people too and we are not perfect. We just know we can’t fix the issues ourselves, We know we have someone who is willing to take us and shape us and make us into the image of him again as a parent would their small child. One thing that can be proven is people’s who’s lives have been touched and who have become victorious over various issues are happy and eager to help others, we all struggle with something or another it is up to us as a society to help others when they are down. and we rejoice when we see the victory. So if people are asking for help why punish people for wanting to. It is up to the person asking to use the advice or to leave it. If people don’t like the advice given seek other help. Like myself I had an issue with my doctor she was very neglectful during my pregnancy and it cost my life of my unborn baby. After she wanted to then offer her services I chose to switch hospitals. I am not going to picket and boycott every hospital or try to get the hospital closed down because of one doctor. See how extreme that sounds. We have a choice but it is very hateful to take away peoples rights just because they are different than yours.

      Reply
    • Steven Davis

      Are you really that evil; and don’t no the difference between love and hate. Love corrects without judging the person, but judging the actions that are detrimental to a person health. Did you know that the suicidal rate among homosexuals is double that of heterosexuals and it’s even higher among transgender individuals. I pray you come to the knowledge of the truth

      Reply
      • Greg Burt

        We are trying to offer loving correction, but this bill outlaws any correction if a transaction is involved. That’s the problem.

        Reply
        • John

          So here’s a thought: since churches aren’t taxed and are making a killing, why not LOVINGLY offer these services for free instead of charging for them? God loves a gracious giver, or so the Bible says. Problem solved.

          Reply
    • Richard

      If a counselor did in fact hate a client the client would not stay in the room. You know the truth that Christian churches do not hate people and cannot force them to change their view. A person will only go to a counselor to “change” if he has doubts about his sex identity and preferences. He or she should be allowed to do so.

      Reply
  5. Nonyob Isiness

    I believe that being gay is not a mental disorder or a choice, and I don’t know enough about transgenderism to know one way or another. I believe that the services that these people provide are wrong. However just because I disagree with them doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t have the right to preach or teach anything that they want. Free speech is a right not given by gov’t but is inalienable. A unconstitutional law is no law at all and should not be followed. I hope this bill goes down in flames!

    Reply

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  9. Linda

    From page 10 of the bill: “Furthermore, the bill should have no impact on the ability of unpaid would-be counselors, including religious or spiritual advisors and anyone else who attempts to counsel other persons to change their sexual orientation, as long as such efforts are conducted on an unpaid basis. Assuming that counseling services are not offered as part of a transaction intended to result in, or that results in, the sale or services for SOCE, those services could lawfully continue to be provided, advertised, and offered under the provisions of the bill.”
    I am no fan of the bill, don’t get me wrong. But doesn’t this part protect pastors and churches so long as no money changes hands? Correct me if I am wrong.

    Reply
    • Greg Burt

      You are right, mostly. But think about financial transactions that happen in church. Church Conferences charge fees. Books are sold for money. Bibles and other resources are sold in the church book store. Pastors refer people to professional counselors who charge. All these activities will be affected by the bill. Despite this, an argument can be made that people give financially to a church expecting services in return, like counseling, so consequently, even free counseling services from a pastor could be affected by this bill. Take a look at this legal brief put out by Alliance Defending Freedom that explains these arguments more fully. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9njBaZTrCfSMFJfRGMzX2ZQeFh0R0U3bFVMS2ZYWUl1M2VF/view

      Reply
    • Christine

      “SHOULD” and “COULD” are the operative words. In other words, these things will be decided down the road AFTER the law is passed.

      Reply

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  12. Robert Phillips

    This is utter insanity, and a very obvious movement towards full fledged communism!! What should really be looked at, is the fact that we are being fed foreign and unconstitutional laws upon our domestic soil! These are laws that abridge federal laws and are therefore not recognized by our United States constitution..

    Reply
    • Josh

      As much as I wish I could agree with you. The Bill of Rights specifically limit the Federal Government from these powers, but grants those powers to the individual States or their people. See amendments 1 and 10. I think that this bill is a dangerous leap forward in the fight against all organized religion, but sadly there is nothing unconstitutional in what I have seen of it.

      Reply
  13. Ed

    I don’t understand the problem. Are these Church doors forcing service on the gay community? We live in a country of many freedoms. You have the freedom to say what you want and we have a freedom to walk away if we don’t want to hear it so what’s the problem?

    Reply
  14. Maria Ny

    This is Bible prophesy. We are losing our first amendment rights to voice our opinions simply because they are in disagreement with what is considered mainstream. It’s as it says in the book of Luke in the Bible, “And as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.” These are definitely as it is in the days of Noah and this is the beginning of the banishment of the Bible. Secular law has been chipping away at the Bible and belief in God and Jesus and it continues to happen. People need to be awake and aware. This is a very obvious sign of our 1st amendment right and freedom of spiritual belief being ripped away from us. Who knows what’s next? All we can do is stand fast in the truth no matter what happens, even if it becomes illegal to believe in what is true that God is our Creator and Jesus Christ laid down his life for us for our salvation.

    Reply
    • Jason

      If you think secular law can chip away at the Bible and your beliefs, then you’re giving your so-called “secular law” more credit than Jesus would have. Pretty sure the 1st Amendment isn’t in the Bible – how is this a prophesy?

      It’s not illegal to believe in your god. Nobody has suggested that. It will soon be illegal, however, to accept payment for conversion therapy. Read some studies on what happens to people in that kind of therapy. Also, it’s important to note that unpaid services can still be rendered.

      Jesus spent time with prostitutes and lepers. The Bible says he prayed for them. It doesn’t say that he got doctors to conduct fraudulent treatment on them. In fact, I’m not sure it says that he tried to change them at all. Instead, he loved them and prayed for them. Maybe you all should take a leaf out of your Savior’s book.

      Reply
  15. John

    I don’t know what conversion therapy entails, and I suppose it differs from professional to professional on a case by case basis with the infirmed. What I do know as a fact of true science is that homosexuality, and other forms and functions of sexual.deviancy (i.e. cross dressing, make believing the opposite sex, gender tampering, anything goes sex, genital mutilation etc.) are not person’s, folks, communities or DNA caused physical traits, but rather are violitional acts which originate and are inspired in man’s fallen nature through the human brain made manifest in thoughts, words and deeds. Such thoughts, words and deeds, which in God’s judgement are abominable sins. Once a person engages in such sins numerous times, a person will most likely become in spiritual bondage to such sins. Once this happens, it takes either an act of God’s common grace or savings grace to help or enable a person to fully repent of such acts. It should be noted, God is under no obligation to deliver a sexual deviant from his/her sins. All one is able to do is ask, but God may not agree to help a sinner or to save him/her from his wrath. If you turn to God with a contrite heart and ask for forgiveness, and truly place your faith in Jesus the Christ, and his righteousness alone for the salvation of your soul, then God has chosen you. If that’s the case, you have been given the Holy Spirit as a helper, who will bring you to holiness over time, which does include the power to not sin, including sins classified as sexual perversions. It should also be noted, since sexual.deviancy is NOT caused by a person’s DNA, we are required to discriminate against such acts, and the Constitution and Bill of Rights most certainly permits such, as no sin has inherent protection in the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Therefore, it’s up to the voters, legislators and the citizens in their private and business dealings to decide which sins they will shun, limit or punish. Furthermore, any law etc.
    that protects sin is a violation of free exercise of Christianity clause for a practicing Christians, and the authentic Christian is under no moral or legal obligation to.provide such protection as his/her Godly conscience dictates in any given situation. That said, the authentic Christian must deal with his/her sins and the sins of others by reflecting God’s holy justice, righteousness, love and mercy. Hate the sin, but love the sinner. Amen

    Reply

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  21. John

    AB 2943 is a bill that comes in the name of protecting the LGBTQ but in reality limits their choices, censors press and speech, and infringes religious freedom. Counseling and therapy has never been a service forced upon the public in the first place. They are services like any other service chosen by people who are willing to pay for it and make a difference in their lives. Monetary transaction, therefore, does not apply to those who choose not to go this route. On the contrary, this bill simply does not allow citizens to have a choice of such service but to accept the legislation’s decision that only certain beliefs and practices are legit, others are worthless.

    Reply
  25. Daniel

    Congratulations California, California has always been the leader, Today it is the leader in one step closer to Sodom and Gomorrah . I just hope God doesn’t take it out on the rest of the U.S. of A..

    Reply
    • Annie

      Daniel please don’t blame this on all of us who disagree with this bill and live in California. Blame it on the gay leaders in the state legislature.

      Reply

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  27. Yasharon Yilyashabah

    “It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have MADE VOID THY LAW.” Ps. 119:126
    “For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them.” Deut. 32:28
    The Law states:
    “THOU SHALT NOT LIE WITH MANKIND, AS WITH WOMANKIND: IT IS ABOMINATION. Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it is confusion.Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you: And the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants.Ye shall therefore KEEP MY STATUTES AND MY JUDGMENTS, and shall not commit any of these abominations; neither any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you: (For all these abominations have the men of the land done, which were before you, and the land is defiled;) That the land spue not you out also, when ye defile it, as it spued out the nations that were before you. For whosoever shall commit any of these abominations, even the souls that commit them shall be cut off from among their people. Therefore shall YE KEEP MINE ORDINANCE, that ye commit not ANY ONE OF THESE ABOMINABLE CUSTOMS, which were committed before you, and that ye defile not yourselves therein: I am the LORD your God.” Leviticus: 18: 22- 30
    “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.” Deut. 22:5
    This is the law spoken by God. And Moses wrote it in a book for a witness to all generations. When the people make void the law of Moses, these abomination take hold. And His law is forever. “My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.” Psalms 89:34.
    “There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel.” Deut 23:17
    When you do away with the Law of Moses and you say we will only keep the tables of the testimony (the 10 commandments) you do not have a foundation to judge the evil. You are deprived of its instruction.
    “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, WE ESTABLISH THE LAW.” Romans 31:3
    WILL THESE PEOPLE SAY THERE WAS A TRANSACTION, BECAUSE THE PERSON PAYS TITHES, OFFERINGS AND GIFTS? THIS IS JUST A WAY TO STIFLE CHRISTIANS.

    Reply
  28. Gene

    When evil can not win the debate with reason and logic? Evil tries to dominate to do what ever it pleases by means of over ruling power alone. Liberals in California are now ‘testing the waters’ to see what kind of resistance they will receive for their attempt at tyranny. If the people are weak morally and spiritually tyranny will prevail.

    Reply
  29. John Hemphill

    Fight this m, fight this in the Senate but contact Alliance Defending Freedom right now and other lawyers, Sacramento can’t be trusted, be prepared to fight this.

    Reply

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  32. Angelina Kalinin

    Rejecting the Bible our Senators are rejecting the moral standards of our cociety. This way the Senators supporting AB 2943 become the enemies of America.

    Reply
  33. Kyle Stone

    Existing law prohibits mental health providers, as defined, from performing sexual orientation change efforts, as specified, with a patient under 18 years of age. Existing law requires a violation of this provision to be considered unprofessional conduct and subjects the provider to discipline by the provider’s licensing entity.

    I just see this law protecting underage citizens from being forced by parents to undergo sexual orientation change efforts which have been proven as unsuccessful and negatively impact on the mental health of the person.

    Reply
    • Greg Burt

      Ask any counselor and they will tell you, forcing anyone into counseling doesn’t work. But that isn’t what this bill is about.
      This bill applies anyone, adults and minors, who want help dealing with feelings they don’t want. Who does the government think it is telling adults how they should feel, or how they should identify sexually? What an invasion of liberty and privacy! People should be able to decide for themselves how they want to find happiness.

      Reply
  34. Michelle

    Followers of Jesus all over the world!! Please PRAY for our beautiful state of California… we are a ‘golden’ state and a ‘treasure’ state! The enemy has has his way TOO LONG and it’s time for us to CLAIM our STATE for God’s glory!

    Reply
  35. Jeff Bennett

    We need to get out and VOTE like we did with Prop 8. We should rally the troops again. Vote to get rid of these people in California. If this legislation passes, and it goes to the Supreme Court, like Prop 8 did, we may this time have a sympathetic court………thanks to our President. (like him or not)

    Reply
  36. Rosa Watkins

    They want to enter the office of a Counselor or Pastor’s and People of faith offices. Then they have concluded that they need help and want the help. But not to bring the whole 1st “(Amendment). Down! That is NOT the Constitutional! **And if they walk in these kinds of office **a written form has to be filled in agreement** (That they need help)! What? Are you going to let them, oh! Come into my house and you can say whatever you want! Would you allowed that? Of course not! Because you want peaceful moments and respect right???

    Reply

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