Homosexuality

The D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics ruled Tuesday not to take same-sex marriage to the ballot for a vote by the people.

Allowing residents of the District of Columbia to vote on the divisive issue would violate the Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination against gays and lesbians, the board determined.

“We have considered all of the testimony presented to the Board and understand the desire to place this question on the ballot,” said Board Chairman Errol R. Arthur in a statement Tuesday. “However, the laws of the District of Columbia preclude us from allowing this initiative to move forward.” more >>

WASHINGTON – Conservative pastors rallied outside the Justice Department on Monday to test the limits of the newly expanded hate crimes law.

Calling the new law – which broadens the definition of federal hate crimes to include attacks based on sexual orientation and gender identity – a clear threat to religious liberty, the group sought to defend their freedom to proclaim biblical truths.

"You may choose to disbelieve or disagree with us but you have no right to seek to silence us," said Dr. Rick Scarborough, president of Vision America Action, as pro-gay clergy and some from the gay and lesbian community gathered with signs reading "My love is legit." more >>

More than 75,000 Americans have joined an online movement seeking the revocation of tax-exempt status from churches that were involved in the repeal of Maine's gay marriage law.

"It's no secret that the Catholic Diocese led the 'Yes on 1' effort in Maine, among many other churches encouraging their congregations to vote 'Yes,' handing out signature forms and collection plates during service, and constantly asking for 'sacrificial contributions' from churchgoers," Maine Marriage Equality charges.

"The IRS clearly forbids churches from participating in political campaigns in any form," the group asserts. more >>

WASHINGTON – A D.C. Council Committee passed a bill Tuesday that would legalize same-sex marriage in the federal district while also providing an exemption for religious groups.

In a 4-1 vote, the D.C. Council Committee on Public Safety and the Judiciary passed the “Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Amendment Act of 2009,” which provides exemption to religious organizations – including churches, schools and nonprofits – to deny “services, accommodations, facilities, or goods for a purpose related to the solemnization or celebration of a same-sex marriage.”

On Nov. 17, the bill, 18-482, will go to the Committee of the Whole, where it will be put on the agenda for the full council to debate in early December. more >>

The San Francisco Presbytery has approved the ordination of an openly homosexual minister in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

But already, opponents of the move say they have collected enough signatures to stay the ordination.

"We believe that what San Francisco Presbytery did was unconstitutional, and we expect to see the error corrected," said Sarah Hill, coordinator of the Presbyterian Coalition, according to Religion News Service. "The presbytery cannot ordain the candidate until the legal process is complete." more >>