Town demands faith groups adhere to 'sexual orthodoxy'
In the written decision, issued Friday, the judge calls the ordinance an “egregious free speech violation.”
“The viewpoint discrimination in the ordinance is straightforward,” the judge said. “Churches and religious entities may speak, advertise and otherwise publish their religious beliefs, including expectations of members, attendees and employees, and use of the facilities and services provided – so long as those beliefs are in agreement with the city’s sexual orthodoxy.”
The town had argued that whenever a church is open to the public, other than “as a house of worship,” the city rightfully could impose its own value system on the church. Such occasions would include providing a polling place or handing out out water to runners at an event....
