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It is written, its advocates say, to fight discrimination based on "sexual orientation and gender identity" in the workplace.
However, it's becoming more and more clear that the bill is about much more than "fighting discrimination."
It is becoming apparent that the bill is also intended to advance a belief and behavior that stands in opposition to the biblical beliefs and values that millions of Americans hold. It is, itself, discriminating.
The New York Times editorial yesterday not only speaks for the NYT, but for many other news organizations and the activists who are intent on "remaking America."
The NYT is strongly advocating that ENDA be passed, but also pointing out that it has a "significant flaw" that should be corrected.
And that flaw relates directly to religious freedom and the exemptions currently in ENDA.
The New York Times is declaring that all religious exemptions should be removed from the bill. And others are echoing their sentiments.
It's time to turn another page in the assault on religious freedom in America.
The Times says the significant flaw is "a terribly broad religious exemption."
They say, "The exemption would extend beyond churches and other houses of worship to religiously affiliated institutions, like hospitals and universities, and would allow those institutions to discriminate against people in jobs with non religious function, like billing clerks, cafeteria workers and medical personnel."
The Times says, "The exemption would give a stamp of legitimacy to the very sort of discrimination the act is meant to end."
Very revealing.
Essentially, they are saying biblical beliefs regarding homosexual behavior are illegitimate and should be kept that way. Or, if people want to believe such things, they must not be allowed to practice those beliefs publicly, even in the institutions built because of those biblical beliefs and convictions.
Discrimination is not a biblical value. However, we have now come to a time if someone does not "affirm" this behavior, they are discriminating. Or bullying. Or are bigoted and intolerant.
The work, money and sacrifice invested in founding these institutions was motivated by deep biblical beliefs and convictions. Those values and convictions built the first 126 colleges and universities in this country (and many since then) and a majority of the hospitals. Those convictions and beliefs are now under assault.
In the name of "fairness" and "equality," we demand the benefit of your work and sacrifice, but reject your beliefs, values and convictions that led you to create the institutions.
As the NYT succinctly points out, they believe the biblical beliefs regarding marriage and homosexual behavior are illegitimate and must be suppressed or legally eliminated from the culture.
Ben Shapiro says, "The Times did not make it clear how far these exceptions should extend, but the implication is that private religious schools may not make the cut."
He says, the Times is embracing a "top down notion of morality" that "springs from government rather than an open market in which the more qualified employees are pursued by employers intent on generating profits, is a religiously discriminating one."
Shapiro also said, "The Times thinks the religious employers ought to hire and fire without regard for their religious values."
The position of the NYT is echoed around the country as it becomes more and more fashionable to assault, not necessarily religious, but specifically Christian values and principles. And those who hold those values.
Anger erupts when personal desire and behavior collides with biblical Truth.
Last week, Isaiah Smith, an 18 year old high school senior at Birdville High in North Richland Hills, Texas, brought a Bible to school and began tearing it apart in front of classmates.
Why?
He was angry because some of the kids had told him the Bible taught that homosexual behavior is sin. He is involved in homosexual behavior.
He began tearing pages from the books of Leviticus and Romans. He was acting out on the same beliefs the New York Times is advocating.
It seems the current attitude is to not only reject the teaching of Scripture, but to attack those Scriptures that do not affirm a desired lifestyle and behavior.
The message seems to be: "Tear out these designated pages from the Bible and we'll give you your religious freedom."
The school suspended Isaiah three days for, "distraction and disruption in class by tearing up a Bible."
Isaiah says he thinks he's going to sue the school for violating his First Amendment rights.
Analyze that.
To say biblical Christianity is under attack in America today would be an understatement.
How should biblical Christians respond?
I'll be talking more about the appropriate response on the radio today. Join me live at 9 AM PST. Here's how to listen in from anywhere in the world.
Be Informed. Be Vigilant. Be Not Afraid. Be Bold. Be Prayerful. Be Pro-Active. Be Blessed.