OPPOSITION TO H. R. 5 – The Equality Act

 We the undersigned, stand in opposition to H. R. 5 – the “Equality Act”, and request your immediate support in defeating this legislation.  If signed into law, H. R. 5 violates several scriptural commands and cause great concern for the church.  Our opposition is not driven by personal or societal standards, but upon our interpretation of the Holy Scriptures. The very definition of how we view sexual orientation and gender identity has been challenged in H. R. 5.  The definition of “equality” is inconsistent with our sincerely held religious and Biblical beliefs.  

 Should this legislation be allowed to move forward, we the undersigned insist that at minimum, it be amended to:

 1.     Recognize a religious freedom / liberty exemption or exception for churches and religious organizations. Presently, there is no clarity on whether or not churches will be defined as “places of public accommodation” in H. R. 5.

2.     That churches be clearly removed or exempt from the category of “places of public accommodation” in H. R. 5. If our churches are classified as “places of public accommodation”, we may be required to accept and follow practices of H. R. 5 which, once again, are in violation of our beliefs.

Thank you for recognizing and supporting our Constitutional right to practice our faith freely and to follow our sincerely held Biblical and religious beliefs.

Sincerely,

DELMARVA-DC CHURCH OF GOD