The 3 - October 23, 2022

This week's edition of The 3 includes a story about parental rights legislation that has been proposed in Congress; it may not have much of a chance of becoming law, but it at least could elevate the discussion about this important topic.  Also, a Christian teacher at a child care center in California has lost her job because she wouldn't read LGBTQ-themed books to children 5 years old and below; she is fighting back.  And, a British doctor who was headed for court to defend his right to pray with patients has reached a settlement with health officials.

Parental rights legislation proposed in Congress

From a Biblical perspective, parents have been entrusted by God with the right to direct the lives of their children. And, from a societal perspective, it is important that parents' rights are reinforced. 

The state of Florida addressed the issue in a piece of legislation that upheld parental rights and prevented the teaching of inappropriate sexual material to young children.  

Now, there is parental rights legislation that has been proposed by Rep. Debbie Lesko of Arizona, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, according to ChristianHeadlines.com.  The article says that:

The first sentence of the amendment states that the "liberty of parents to direct the upbringing, education, and care of their children is a fundamental right."

Will Estrada, the president of ParentalRights.org and a supporter of the proposed amendment, said, "parental rights are just too important to be left to Supreme Court precedent alone."

A number of "religious liberty organizations" supports the legislation, according to the article; that includes Alliance Defending Freedom. Emilie Kao, Senior Counsel of ADF, states: "Sadly, as parents have stood before local school boards and state legislatures across the country to claim that right, they've been met by government officials who declare themselves the ultimate determiners of what's best for children..."

Christian teacher loses job for not reading LGBTQ books, files suit

A teacher at a child care center in California, who had responsibility over children ages 5 and less, lost her job because she would not read LGBTQ-oriented books to the children under her care.  

The Washington Examiner reported that Nelli Parisenkova originally asked for a religious accommodation and received an "informal accommodation," but then the director of the center refused to grant a more formal action.

Parisenkova has filed a lawsuit against the day care center - the article notes:

Reading the books would "violate her religious beliefs and constitute promotion of intimate relationships and choices that are contrary to the teachings of her faith," the complaint reads.

"Parisenkova formally requested a religious accommodation from Bright Horizons that aligned with her prior informally granted request. Bright Horizons responded by categorically denying the request," the suit adds.

The Examiner article says that the center and its director participated in the following: "retaliation, failure to prevent discrimination and harassment, wrongful termination, constructive discharge, religious discrimination, and harassment."

British doctor can continue to pray with patients, based on settlement

Dr. Richard Scott, a medical doctor who practices in southeast England was facing potential disciplinary action for praying with a patient.  However, the National Health Service has settled with the doctor, according to Decision Magazine, which reported:

In 2019, Scott was forced to undergo a six-month “fitness to practice” investigation, following a complaint filed by the National Secular Society (NSS) on behalf of an anonymous patient. According to NSS, the patient was uncomfortable being offered prayer and discussing Christian faith during a consultation with Scott.

Yet Scott recalled that he “only discussed mutual faith after obtaining the patient’s permission.”

“In our conversation, I said that personally, I had found having faith in Jesus helped me and could help the patient,” he said. “At no time did the patient indicate that they were offended, or that they wanted to stop the discussion. If that had been the case, I would have immediately ended the conversation.”

Those comments had been related by the Christian Concern website. The Decision article noted:

NHS lawyers agreed that Scott can offer to pray with patients if done so within agreed General Medical Council guidance. And Scott said he will attend a one-day course related to professional boundaries.

Andrea Williams, CEO of the Christian Legal Centre, which represented Dr. Scott, said:

“It is now a relief to Richard and his family that this case is finally settled,” she said.      "… Secular activists, whether campaign groups or those working within the NHS have been relentless in their pursuit of Dr. Scott. … [He] is a highly experienced NHS doctor whose life and career has been committed to serving his patients and community. … There is no evidence that Dr. Scott’s practice of praying with his patients has in any way interfered with his delivery of excellent medicine—in fact, quite the opposite. He has seen many patients get set from drink and drug addictions and become active members of society through his spiritual care..."