The San Antonio City Council is proposing an updated non-discrimination policy that effectively bans any city council member from being elected if he or she has ever “demonstrated a bias.”
“No person shall be appointed to a position if the city council finds that such person has, prior to such proposed appointment, engaged in discrimination or demonstrated a bias, by word or deed, against any person, group or organization on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, age, or disability,” the ordinance reads.
According to Pastor Charles Flowers of Faith Outreach International, the amended ordinance includes two new categories to the policy: sexual orientation and gender identity. Judging by the vague language of the draft, the ordinance could effectively ban Christians, many of whom believe homosexuality is a sin, from serving on the city council if they have expressed that belief publicly.
“The ordinance also says that if you have at any point demonstrated a bias — without defining what a bias is or who will determine whether or not one has been exercised — that you cannot get a city contract,” Mr. Flowers told OneNewsNow. “Neither can any of your subcontractors [who have demonstrated a bias] sign on to the contract.”
The pastor is calling on people to voice their opposition to the news rule.
“They said they’ve never seen this kind of language in any other ordinance in any other city that they’ve dealt with,” he added. “It is unprecedentedly wrong — and of course the citizens of San Antonio must stop it.”
SEE ALSO: Del. pastor denied Rehoboth Beach prayer decries irony: Town founded as ‘Christian camp’
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.