The Equality Act
The Equality Act. The words evoke emotion. I’ve gotten dozens of emails from Christian organizations warning of the far-reaching effects that this bill will have on women and Christian organizations. Some of them I didn’t read because it seems that every month the sending organization has a new reason why they believe the sky is falling. Because of all the political sensationalism that is publicized during this very divisive time, I’ve not paid close attention.
But a couple of articles have gotten my attention. They came from people or organizations that I respect, and they actually quote the bill itself. There certainly are some very real concerns that all of us should have, especially Christians.
First, there are some things in the bill that I think are good and right. All people are created in God’s image and should be treated with dignity and respect. There is no place for discrimination or prejudice on the part of any Christian. It is how discrimination and prejudice are redefined that is concerning.
Christians believe that God created each of us on purpose, according to his design. Embracing and celebrating his design for us, not the least of which is our gender, is an important aspect of our worship. To reject God’s design is to reject Him. Under this bill, it appears that for Christians to simply believe this understanding from Scripture is to engage in prejudice. That opens the door to seriously limiting religious freedom. The language in the Act itself regulates religious organizations, including Bible colleges and Christian schools, and declares that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (1993) would not apply to any claim under the Equality Act. Faith-based colleges like Moody and Wheaton, and Christian day schools like CHA and CLA, could be prosecuted for teaching the above.
There are other concerns that even non-Christians should be wary of. The Act, as passed in the House, endangers women’s safety. It reads, “An individual shall not be denied access to a shared facility, including a restroom, a locker room, and a dressing room, that is in accordance with the individual’s gender identity.” In other words, no biological male may be denied access to a private female space. Even women’s shelters, designed to protect women at risk, could not deny access to biological men in its most private spaces. That’s dangerous. Its impact on women’s athletics could also be devastating.
So, is the sky falling? No, of course not. Whether or not this bill even passes the Senate, we should recognize that it is simply another step in the progression of the culture around us. I’m not panicking. I’ve always viewed myself, and have taught my family, and our church, that we are members of another kingdom. The kingdoms of this world are temporary, and doomed to failure. We should aspire to be a blessing to the world around us, and help them to understand the pathway to flourishing. But they are not under the same moral obligations as those of us in God’s kingdom. Life may get harder for us. We may eventually endure very real persecution. But millions of committed followers of Jesus have shown us the way through that. For all of us, this life will eventually end. It’s the next life that really matters. It’s God’s kingdom that we should be most concerned about.
In the meantime, we will keep presenting the truth, loving all people, but bent on honoring our God, no matter what. If Christian morals fall apart around us, we can still uphold God’s standard as a shining light. And light is always more illuminating and attractive in the dark. If that is what God has for us, we will embrace his calling and remain faithful.