“Extending protections” is not about understanding the transgender person. I cannot claim that understanding – just as I do not understand being a woman, or being poor, or being black. That lack of understanding, though, does not lead me to…
Petition to repeal anti-discrimination ordinance in Texas suburb ruled invalid
By Bob Allen A petition to overturn a new anti-discrimination ordinance in Plano, Texas, has been ruled invalid because groups including a Southern Baptist megachurch collecting signatures did not follow proper procedure to have the measure placed on a ballot….
Baptist board in Texas declares gender assignment ‘immutable’
By Ken Camp Biology, not psychology, determines gender identity, according to the Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Board. At its Feb. 23-24 meeting in Dallas, the board approved without any dissenting votes a resolution on transgender issues, declaring the…
Proposed ‘bathroom bill’ raises Baptist ire in N.C.
By Bob Allen Baptists in North Carolina are among religious voices opposing a pending non-discrimination measure in Charlotte, N.C., marked by debate over where transgender persons can go to the bathroom. The Biblical Recorder, news journal for the Baptist State…
Baptists to confront ‘transgender confusion’ in conference prelude
By Bob Allen Three Southern Baptist scholars will discuss “transgender confusion” in a daylong conference Oct. 5 prior to the annual conference of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors scheduled on the campus of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. The Council…
Baptists oppose discrimination ordinance in Arkansas
By Bob Allen Voters in Fayetteville, Ark., will vote in a special election Dec. 9 on whether to repeal a civil rights ordinance the City Council approved in August despite opposition from community leaders including a representative of Southern Baptist…
Transgender Hobby Lobby employee claims discrimination
By Bob Allen A transgender employee of a Chicago-area Hobby Lobby is suing the Oklahoma City-based craft store chain, claiming discrimination because her employer won’t allow her to use the women’s restroom. Meggan Sommerville, frame-shop manager at a Hobby Lobby…
Richard Land says transgenderism ‘ultimate rebellion’
By Bob Allen Transgenderism is “the ultimate rebellion” against God’s created order, a former Southern Baptist leader said recently in a television interview. Richard Land, president of Southern Evangelical Seminary near Charlotte, N.C., made the comment June 26 on Newsmax…
Baptist church ordains transgender woman
In what is likely a first, Calvary Baptist Church in Washington ordained Allyson Robinson, who was previously ordained as a man, to the gospel ministry. A transgender woman who attended George W. Truett Theological Seminary and pastored a church in…