Christian churches and other ministries, plus a Christian photographer, are suing the state of Virginia over a new law that forces them to violate their core beliefs regarding sex, marriage, and gender or pay exorbitant fines. The Virginia Values Act, which took effect July 1, added “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to existing state antidiscrimination law. In addition, a companion law requires all health-insurance plans to cover sex-reassignment procedures. There are no religious exemptions to any of these mandates. In fact, “numerous legislators classified [beliefs contrary to prevailing LGBT ideology] as ‘bigotry’ and ‘discrimination’ while blocking every attempt to add religious exemptions to the law,” wrote Sarah Kramer of the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), which is representing the various ministries. Two churches, three Christian schools, and a network of pregnancy centers are suing in state court. They argue that the Virginia Values Act would force them to act in numerous ways that are contrary to their beliefs. First, it would require them to make employment decisions without regard to individuals’ adherence to Christian teaching on marriage, gender, and sexuality. They would not be free to hire only those who affirm these beliefs or to fire those who oppose them. […]
