A “Protect My Ministry” event is coming to The Villages later this month.
The event is one of many being held around the state in an effort to get clergy behind House Bill 43. The Pastor Protection Act would shield pastors from legal reprisals for not performing gay marriages. Local pastors attending the event will be provided legal advice from the Florida Family Policy Council.
The LGBT community has interpreted the Pastor Protection Act as an affront to gay marriage which became legal in the United States after a Supreme Court ruling earlier this year. A legislative candidate at an event earlier this month, warned The Villages Rainbow Family & Friends group about House Bill 43.
The event in The Villages is set for 9 to 11 a.m. Oct. 21 at Eisenhower Recreation Center. The event is free, but advance registration is required. A complimentary breakfast is included.
Attorney John Stemberger, president and general counsel of the Florida Family Policy Council, will be making the presentation in The Villages.
According to literature about the event, Stemberger will attempt to answer the following questions.
- What changes need be made to your church by-laws?
- Should pastors still sign marriage certificates?
- Are you at risk if a same sex couple asks me to marry them?
- Are church mercy ministries that receive public funding at risk?
- How do you properly call a meeting to officially and legally amend official church documents
- Do you have to rent out your church building to any couple who wants to get married?
Pastor Drew Willard of United Church of Christ at The Villages said he believes the veiled purpose of the Pastor Protection Act is to deny LGBT people the right to solemnize their “sincerely held committed, loving relationships as adults.”
He said if enacted, the bill would violate national laws protecting individuals from prejudice.
“This bill would also violate the separation of church and state by giving authority to religious organizations the right to dictate/manipulate public policy,” Willard said.
