Today leading pastors in Jacksonville are hosting a press conference regarding the concerns of the religious community about the dangerous consequences of two proposed LGBT "nondiscrimination" city ordinances. Liberty Counsel’s Senior Litigation Counsel, Roger Gannam, will also be present to answer any reporters’ questions, time permitting.

The Jacksonville City Council is considering two LGBT proposals: The first is for the Council to vote on adding sexual orientation and gender identity or expression to the city's current nondiscrimination policy. The second proposal is to have the same law presented to the voters of Jacksonville as a referendum.

Both proposals would grant enormous power to the Jacksonville Human Rights Commission to investigate complaints against law-abiding citizens of Jacksonville, subpoena their documents, impose fines and attorney’s fees, sue them in court, and refer their cases for criminal prosecution. Any church that welcomes a "non-member" could lose its religious exemption; organizations with a religious mission to feed the homeless or arrange adoptions are exposed to liability for professing their beliefs; the law would redefine "male" and "female" for all nurseries and preschools, even many church schools; and any man claiming a female "identity" will gain unchallenged access to women-only bathrooms and dressing rooms.

No council member has the right to make law-abiding citizens and religious institutions vulnerable to the depth of religious persecution that is established by this law. Nationwide, cake bakers, photographers, and florists have already lost their religious freedoms, and some were forced to close their businesses at the behest of the LGBT lobby. Jacksonville does not need to welcome this radical social experiment onto the shoulders of local business owners and taxpayers.

For more information, read our Press Release.