Pray for an increase in discernment and righteous laws for our nation. California residents can send prayers to their senators by clicking HERE. Please share.

And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today? (Deut 4:8)

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“A new bill in California claims to protect LGBT people, but actually limits their choices, censors speech, and infringes upon religious freedom.

AB 2943 would amend the California Consumer Legal Remedies Act—a consumer law that outlaws unfair and deceptive practices—by adding so-called “sexual orientation change efforts” to a list of banned practices. It would in effect ban all practices that the state deems attempting to change one’s sexual orientation—including practices as indirect as the publishing of certain material.

This expansive law would impose widespread censorship that could implicate authors, speakers, counselors, colleges and universities, and even religious leaders seeking to address unwanted same-sex attraction or gender identity confusion.

The bill defines sexual change efforts as “any practices that seek to change an individual’s sexual orientation. This includes efforts to change behaviors or gender expressions, or to eliminate or reduce sexual romantic attractions or feelings toward individuals of the same sex.”…

If the bill becomes law, it could punish the speech of religious leaders who preach chastity and, according to the teachings of their religion, maintain that sexual activity should be limited to marriage between one man and one woman.

It could also punish religiously-affiliated counseling services who counsel patients who do not wish to act upon their same-sex attraction for legitimate personal reasons—for example, someone who wants to live by the teachings of their religion on sexuality or to remain faithful to their spouse and children….

It could also punish religious colleges and universities that maintain codes of conduct requiring students to live consistent with biblical views about sexuality….

A lawsuit could devastate any of these persons or institutions….

Even if a judge were to spare accused persons from frivolous claims, AB 2943 would still have a chilling effect, as individuals and institutions begin to censor their own speech in order to avoid undergoing multiple costly lawsuits….

The broad nature of AB 2943 also fails to consider those LGBT individuals who may seek help in their efforts to refrain from acting on certain inclinations. These individuals would be denied professional and personal help under AB 2943….

Policymakers must act quickly before the bill can be signed into law.” (Excerpts from Monica Burke article on Heritage.org)