Rev. Terry Cheek Th.D.

I am taking a break from my regular series to stand alongside fellow Christians, pastors, lawmakers and leaders in support of HB-2. March 23rd, 2016 Gov. Pat McCrory, signed HB 2, which overturned unnecessary government overreach by the City of Charlotte. The Charlotte ordinance, dismissed all common sense and decency by permitting an individual, regardless of their birth anatomy, to use any restroom, locker room, shower, changing room, or the like regardless of gender but based upon how he or she subjectively identifies. Such an ordinance opened an opportunity of exploitation by sexual predators. This threat targets the modesty and innocence of everyone but particularly our mothers, sisters, wives and especially children by placing them in a very dangerous situation.

The Charlotte ordinance allowed local government the authority to dictate these practices to private businesses and churches by forcing participation to regulations that create unreasonable and unnecessary expense while interfering with existing, established, enforced and respected rights, doctrine and expression of belief’s.

Since the passage of that legislation on March 23^rd, a national smear campaign has been going on against HB 2, our Governor, and state lawmakers. This smear campaign has been championed by headline grabbers such as special interest groups, corporations, politicians, activists, musicians and actors. The smear campaign has resulted in unfounded and inaccurate fears and criticism of the law; these have often resulted in threats to our State.

I have opened my article with a discussion of HB-2 its brief history and the social/economic attack that has been launched. Alongside fellow Christians and many non-Christians in our communities I support the actions of our Governor and our State lawmakers.

Among those involved with the smear campaign are groups and people having anti-Christian sentiments. We remember these from their opposition to our State Constitutional amendment defining marriage and SB-2 which protected our magistrates. Their response to any Christian position is simply to label us “HATERS.” Apparently their glove of tolerance only fits the hand of a Christian. The very thought of allowing any male or female to enter a restroom, Locker room, showroom or any similar facility with those of an opposite gender is not only indecent it is morally ridiculous. I feel HB-2 opposition is by most accounts a crisis created by the extremists of the LGBT community and encouraged by their fair weather friends.

The Christian position is simple; we hold dearly to the belief of God being sovereign creator of everything. I will quote the words of Jesus found in Mark 10:6 “But from the beginning of the creation, God 'MADE THEM MALE AND FEMALE.” Notice, Jesus did not say MALE OR FEMALE. The choice is not made by anyone other than God! He created us the sex He wanted us, for His purpose; for example - procreation, marriage, worship and discipline.

Column space doesn’t allow me the opportunity for written exposition regarding God’s Word on the matter. I will say God has established redemption from all manner of sin and His Grace is extended for salvation through Faith in Jesus Christ alone. With this said, proper exposition is best presented from the pulpit and best heard from the pew.