The 3 - September 15, 2024

This week's edition of The 3, with three stories of relevance to the Christian community, includes news out of a federal appeals court, which upheld a ban on the practice of offering young people with gender confusion an alternative to their same-sex attraction by offering gospel-centered direction.  Also, a challenge is underway to IRS guidelines on how non-profit organizations are allowed to participate in political speech.  And, a well-known football star and TV personality has been involved in speaking out on legislation that is designed to protect children from online exploitation.

Law banning so-called "conversion therapy" upheld by federal appeals court

When young people are experiencing confusion about their gender, they need someone to talk to, hopefully, someone who will give them guidance, from a Biblical perspective, about God's love for them and the truth about their identity.  But, in Colorado, it is illegal for people to engage in counseling that is designed to provide Christ-centered direction regarding their gender struggles. 

And, that continues today, as the result of a recent ruling by a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit.  The Daily Citizen reports:

A federal appeals court on Thursday upheld Colorado’s counseling censorship law that bans so-called “conversion therapy.” Colorado’s law prohibits mental health professionals from helping minors struggling with unwanted homosexuality or transgenderism.

Kaley Chiles, a licensed professional counselor in Colorado, brought a lawsuit in an attempt to prevent enforcement of Colorado’s Minor Conversion Therapy Law, which was passed in 2019. Kaley helps clients with many issues – including unwanted sexual identity confusion and same-sex attraction.

But Colorado’s law prohibits her from helping minor clients, who struggle with these issues, live according to a biblical sexual ethic.

The article notes:

According to Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), which is representing Chiles, Colorado’s therapy ban violates her – and all counselors’ – freedom of speech and infringes on her free exercise of religion. It also censors the speech of her clients by prohibiting certain private client-counselor conversations regarding sexual orientation and gender identity. It also removes agency and autonomy from clients who desire such therapy.

The article also refers to previous content on the website that stated: “‘conversion therapy’ is a term invented by activists who oppose the truth that some people with same-sex attractions or gender identity confusion don’t want to embrace those thoughts, feelings, identities or behaviors. It is a non-existent practice – but these bans have the effect of prohibiting legitimate professional therapy for those with unwanted sexual identity confusion or homosexual identity, attractions and behaviors.”

Religious broadcasters' organization joins with others to file complaint about IRS rule on political activity

A complaint has been filed by the National Religious Broadcasters organization, Intercessors for America, and two Texas churches in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas in Tyler, Texas. Together, they are challenging what is known as the Johnson Amendment; according to NRB's website, "plaintiffs argue that their speech has been wrongfully silenced under the language known as the Johnson Amendment, which prohibits 501(c)(3) nonprofits from supporting or opposing candidates for public office, including restrictions against comparing the positions of candidates to the positions of the organization."

The NRB website notes, "The complaint details the fact that many 501(c)(3) organizations engage in electoral activities that are open, obvious, and well-known, yet the IRS allows some, but not all, such organizations to do so without penalty."

Troy Miller, NRB President & CEO, is quoted as saying, "For too long, churches have been instructed to remain silent on pressing matters of conscience and conviction during election season or risk their 501(c)(3) status...We believe that all nonprofits should have the constitutional right to freely express their point of view on candidates, elections, and issues on the ballot. Our challenge to the Johnson Amendment is about securing the future of free expression for all Americans, particularly those standing in the pulpit.”

Former Heisman winner devotes energy to protecting children

Tim Tebow, former Heisman Trophy winner and current SEC Network analyst, as well as founder of the Tim Tebow Foundation, has devoted energy to protect children from online sexual exploitation. He has been a leading spokesman for the Renewed Hope Act of 2024.  The Christian Post reported:

The former Heisman Trophy winner read chatroom posts from sex offenders to help people understand the threat predators pose to children during a press conference on Capitol Hill this week to introduce a bill to fight exploitation.

The article says that, "The legislation would enhance the ability of U.S. Immigration and Customs and Enforcement and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to rescue exploitation victims and identify predators. The measure aims to provide the agencies with the resources to hire and train personnel and equip them with advanced victim identification methods."  It goes on to say:

Tebow stressed that the issue is about people, not politics, specifically the boys and girls who are victims of sexual exploitation and abuse. Some may not understand the implications behind an explicit photograph or video, he said.

"It's not just images; it's not just videos," Tebow stated. "It's boys and girls that are in the worst moments of their life. And then people are celebrating it."

The Foundation has established itself as a force to combat human trafficking, and supports special needs individuals through the annual partnership with churches known as the "Night to Shine."