The superintendent of the Assemblies of God is speaking out about the non-discrimination ordinance that Springfield City Council is scheduled to vote on Monday night.
Two bills are up for consideration: the stronger of the two would expand sexual orientation and gender identity in the areas of housing, employment and public accommodations. The substitute bill would offer protections in housing only. It also calls for creating another task force directing the Mayor's Commission on Human Rights and Community Relations to conduct a study on discrimination. Both bills include a religious exemption for housing.
Earlier this week, the city said that council members Cindy Rushefsky and Craig Hosmer have requested the Law Department to craft an amendment to their bill, prohibiting the ordinance from applying to any facility that is “distinctly private in nature, such as restrooms, shower rooms, and dressing rooms.”
The revision, if approved, would prevent a person from claiming discrimination if prohibited from using these private facilities.
Dr. George Wood, general superintendent of the Assemblies of God, says he agrees with Bishop James Johnston that the bill would discriminate against religious organizations and people of faith as well as open the city up to lawsuits. He says the bill exceeds state and federal laws.
In a news release, Wood said, "Unfortunately, in their attempt to respect the dignity of people with alternate sexual orientations and gender identities, the City Council's bill disrespects people of faith." He agrees with Bishop Johnston who said, "the proposed amendments are inadequate to protect the legitimate rights of religious institutions and individuals. In the name of preventing discrimination against some, they would impose it on others."
Wood wants Council to vote no on the ordinance.
