Arizona Law Controversy Prompts Former Virginia Lt. Governor Nominee To Form Coalition To Protect Religious Freedom

NORFOLK, Va., March 5, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- E.W. Jackson is taking action in light of the Arizona Governor's veto of legislation which would have protected businesses from suit for refusing service based on freedom of religion.

"The proposed law was not inspired by hatred of gay people," stated Jackson.  "Its purpose was to protect people who refuse to participate in activity against their faith."

Mr. Jackson believes that equating gay rights to black civil rights is creating hysteria.  Jackson, an American of African descent whose ancestors were slaves says it is manipulative to compare the two. "As a descendant of slaves," says Mr. Jackson, "I have a deep aversion to discrimination. Nonetheless, homosexual behavior cannot be compared to the color of one's skin. Skin color is an outward immutable characteristic, not behavior.

"Christians are not denying gay people entrance into their establishments or directing them to a special gay section in the back of the store or telling them to go to the back door or lynching them for being uppity. That is what Jim Crow laws did to Americans of African descent. Therefore the comparison is dishonest and needs to stop, but it won't because it is useful propaganda."

Jackson says that the idea that gays are being refused all service is also a myth. "No Christian baker is refusing to bake a birthday or graduation cake," said Jackson. "No Christian photographer is saying he will not photograph a softball game or family reunion. Believers are simply refusing to serve a same-sex ceremony. That is not a blanket refusal of service but a specific conscience objection.

"Governor Brewer has vetoed the Law."  But Mr. Jackson asks, "Is America's time honored respect for the First Amendment and freedom of conscience to be cast aside?   For the sake of our country, we cannot allow this."

Jackson is forming a Religious Coalition across racial and cultural lines to protect the First Amendment rights of the American people.

E.W. Jackson, a Marine Corps Veteran and graduate of Harvard Law school was the Republican nominee for Lt. Governor of Virginia in 2013 and currently serves as President of STAND and Bishop of Exodus Faith Ministries in Chesapeake, VA.

Contact: Daniel Bradshaw
Phone: 434-603-1216
Email: [email protected] 

SOURCE STAND