Christians Against EDNA Can We Clear A Few Things Up?

Question

First of all:

The Employment Nondiscrimination Act, passed in the House of Representatives does not FORCE your private Christian organizations like churches etc to hire anyone they do not want to. I ACTUALLY READ THE EDNA Act and it gives private religious institutions full autonomy and 100% freedom on who they hire and fire. You will not be forced to hire a gay person or pagan person if you do not like gay and pagan people.

Second: Christian spokepeople have been saying that ENDA will silence religious speech in the workplace and we have the right to free speech.

But really, DOES ANYONE have free speech at work? Can we just go into the office and tell our bosses and co-workers ANYTHING we want? Can a muslim go around telling non-muslim women in the workplace they are whores unless they cover up? Company morale and mutual respect takes precidence over EVERYONE's personal and/or religious opinions.

So my questions to Christians against EDNA are:

1. Why do you want the special right to preach religous views at work, when they may be hurtful to other co-workers?

2. Why should sexual orientation be taken into consideration for a job? If people work hard, pay taxes and play by the rules why should their careers be ruined and personal finances wrecked because of an employer's religious hang ups?

3. How is discrimination, 'Doing unto others as you would have them do unto you?"

Answer 1

Each of us is doing the best we can -- and it is actually helpful to have questions like this so we really focus on what we're doing instead of just blindly reacting. So first of all thank you, both for taking the time to read EDNA and for posting the question, Now:

1. I dont want to preach or proselytize at work, but I would like to be able to pray and/or study the Bible by myself or in a group during my breaks.

2. I agree completely that a person should be judged at work ONLY on the quality of their work. I actually support same-sex civil unions, as well, as contracts entered into by adults are between them and have nothing to do with the Church UNLESS AND UNTIL they ask to have such a union sanctified. That the Church cannot and should not do.

3. Discrimination is wrong in the civic, social arena. However, all secular and religious groups have boundaries and or qualifications for membership.

Let's keep these kinds of thoughtful discussions open!!
Good luck!

Answer 2

1. Why do you want the special right to preach religious views at work, when they may be hurtful to other co-workers?

Because they are Christians

2. Why should sexual orientation be taken into consideration for a job? If people work hard, pay taxes and play by the rules why should their careers be ruined and personal finances wrecked because of an employer's religious hang ups?

Because they are Christians

3. How is discrimination, 'Doing unto others as you would have them do unto you?"

is that really a christian philosophy? how often do you see it practiced?

Answer 3

I agree, Suprised !? I have read it too.

It is H.R.3685

Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2007

SEC. 6. EXEMPTION FOR RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS.

This Act shall not apply to a corporation, association, educational institution, or society that is exempt from the religious discrimination provisions of title VII of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 pursuant to section 702(a) or 703(e)(2) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 2000e-1(a); 2000e-2(e)(2)).

Answer 4

I get a lot of those hysterical e-mail alerts. People forget that as flawed as our country is, we still have protection under the Constitution.

My question always is, "Why would a gay or pagan WANT to work at a place they aren't wanted?" I certainly wouldn't feel comfortable working somewhere people were hostile to me or my beliefs.

In my opinion, people who are spreading that hysteria are doing it to raise money for their cause. And the people responding to it aren't doing research as well as not having faith in the Constitution.

EDIT--I belong to a Pentecostal denomination

Answer 5

O M G !
When I first read you question, I thought you were asking about Dame Edna, that flaming cross-dressing comedian that's far too outrageous to be taken seriously.

Glad I read the rest of your notes!

Answer 6

I can't believe this is still an issue. Who cares what invisible power someone believes in? If they can do their job, I couldn't care less. Same with who someone falls in love with: none of my business. What I care about is if an employee can do what they're hired to do.

Answer 7

Don't confuse Xians with reality. It does no good. They want to hate and discriminate. There's no other reason and don't listen to anything they tell you. Those people cannot be trusted. It's as simple as that.

Answer 8

i think that legislation has no place in spiritual matters with the exception of inhibiting violence.