Governor Chet Culver signed into law "a bill making it illegal to discriminate in employment, public accommodation, credit, housing or education based on a person's sexual orientation or gender identity." (Source: Des Moines Register)

The problem with this law isn't that I want gays, lesbians and transgendered (that concept is still ridiculous to me) not to be able to be employed, get a loan, receive an education, obtain housing and the like.  What I don't like is taking what many would argue is a behavior, a choice, a "lifestyle" so to speak and making it a protected class.  Thereby granting them special rights.

As a Christian working for a parachurch Christian organization our rights to association should have been honored, and at the very least, an exemption given, but that is not the case.  Churches are given an exemption for ordained clergy - you have the right not to hire a gay pastor, but churches can not descriminate against secretaries.  One might even wonder if a non-ordained ministry director (such as a youth director) is gay if a church would have to hire that person as well.;  Catholic & Christian schools also receive an exemption with teachers and administrators, but not other administrative staff.  Boy Scouts receive no protection, as I understand this law.

Do we see the problem with this?  It is no longer about equal protection under the law, but now it is about forcing their lifestyle on those who find it sinful.  This is deplorable.  I'm looking forward to 2008, I for one am going to remember what this year's General Assembly has done and will do my very best to remind those around me a well.