By Victor Ochieng
Faith-based organizations try so much to uphold their set ethical standards in their workplaces. However, this practice has come under attack from many quarters. It’s because of such critics that a bill seeking to prevent such organizations from enforcing their ethical codes of conduct was passed in California and presented to the state Governor Jerry Brown for his signature.
To the surprise of many, Governor Brown vetoed the legislation. The move came as good news for the Pacific Justice Institute that had been wildly opposed to the bill and has planned to file lawsuits against it with multiple plaintiffs had the governor appended his signature to it.
“We are relieved that Gov. Brown chose not to extend choking state prohibitions into sacrosanct areas of religious life and ministry,” Brad Dacus, the president of the institute said. “It is essential that churches, ministries, and religious schools continue to have the freedom to expect employees to practice what is preached.”
Dacus says the enactment of the bill could’ve been costly for organizations that choose to abide by certain standards prescribed by their faith. For example, we have some organizations that require their workers to sign a code of conduct guided by the Bible, including on such issues as contraception, premarital s*x and abortion.
“This bill would have required—with heavy fines and even criminal penalties—religious institutions to tolerate employee behavior directly contradicting the organizational mission,” he explained. “This bill was deeply unconstitutional, and we are thankful it has been vetoed.”
While the vetoing of the bill came in as a breather for those opposed to it, Dacus says churches and such faith-based outfits aren’t off the hook just yet, considering that a majority of California lawmakers are in support of the bill. What that means is that the bill could be resurrected at some point in the future should a new governor come to office.
But then again, the successful passage of the bill could also see some deep blue states copycat it.
Several religious organizations and leaders have praised the move by the governor to veto the bill, saying he’s truly someone who stands for their rights. Many have said they’ll aggressively oppose any efforts to revive the bill or similar legislation in the state.
Proponents of the bill, however, say allowing faith-based organizations to implement such guidelines is an infringement on the rights of the American people who just want to follow the laws of the land and not necessarily the Bible.
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