Conservative groups have warned that Christian business owners and others who oppose the homosexual life style may soon be forced to embrace homosexuality under new plans announced by U.S. President Barack Obama.

Obama wants to expand rights for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender (GLBT) community by introducing the 'employment non-discrimination act' (EDNA). The law would prohibit "discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression," according to a draft text seen by Worthy News Tuesday, January 27.

In a reaction, Conservatives accused Obama of heralding a "change" that many Christians who voted for him did not expect. EDNA would create a "dangerous legal, moral, and spiritual precedent" in America, they added.

However, supporters of the legislation bill said there is a "religious" exception within the bill.

Yet under the proposed law, seen by Worthy News, any private, non-church or non-religious schools, day-care centers not directly tied to a church or any businesses with more than 15 employees would not be protected by the "religious" exemption clause.

BUSINESS OWNERS TARGETED

Business owners could technically be forced to support homosexuality, even if it opposed their conduct upon religious convictions, according to Conservative activists. They said this would violate Christians' first amendment right of free speech which states, "Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..."

In another u-turn, Obama also plans to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

Conservatives fear that move will force every state to recognize homosexual marriages or unions, even if they have laws declaring marriage as an exclusive institution between a man and a woman.

The new administration is also promoting full civil unions and the extension of over 1,000 marriage benefits and adoption rights to homosexual couples, according to the White House website.

SERMONS UNDER THREAT

In addition, Obama wants to expand federal hate-crimes laws, such as the Matthew Shepard Act which he introduced in the Senate as a freshman senator, a move Conservatives say threatens sermons on homosexuality and other "sins" mentioned in the Bible.

The Act would prosecute and punish those committing "hate crimes" motivated by "actual or perceived" prejudice based on gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity of the victim.

Christians fear the law will not require evidence that a crime has been committed, but rather leaves it to someone who "claims to be offended" to determine if a hate crime has been committed.

The law could make it difficult to publicly preach the Bible's teaching that homosexual behavior is a sin, according to Conservative groups, referring to recent cases in other countries.

SWEDISH HATE CRIMES

Four years ago, a Swedish hate crimes law was used to put Pastor Ake Green in jail for a month because he preached that homosexuality is a sin.

Analysts also warn the legislation may be used to prevent  speaking against  threats of radical Islam. Recently, two pastors in Australia were charged under the "hate crimes" law for criticizing Islam.

Obama's plans also impacts homosexuality within the American military.

He has made clear he plans to repeal the "don't ask, don't tell" policy in the United States army, which was introduced under President Bill Clinton to enable gays to serve in the military, without openly expressing their orientation.

Source: Worthy News

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