DALLAS — Jason Yates, CEO of My Faith Votes, releases the following statement:

“It seems like California has been trampling more than just wine grapes lately. State lawmakers are on their way to finalizing passage of AB 2943, which will effectively criminalize the religious views of millions of Californians who believe a person, through spiritual renewal and change, can leave a homosexual lifestyle. These lawmakers are using their elected positions to trample on Californians’ religious liberty.

“The bill goes well beyond simply banning professional counselors from assisting patients in a way that may encourage a change in that person’s sexual orientation, even if they specifically request that help. It could also prohibit churches from holding ticketed events addressing topics of sexuality or faith authors from selling books that address sexuality from a Christian perspective. The bill might even threaten the sale of the Bible — the Bible! — because it teaches marriage as being between one man and one woman.

“This ridiculous bill sets California on a slippery slope. How long will it be before the state dictates what can and cannot be preached or believed by people of faith? I am appalled that the government of California would so blatantly work to silence speech it disagrees with when its responsibility is to defend its citizens’ right to freedom of speech and to practice their faith openly in the public square.

“Therefore, I urge the millions of people of faith across California to contact their state senator’s office and urge a ‘no’ vote on AB 2943.”

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My Faith Votes is a nonpartisan movement focused on motivating Christians in America to participate in local and domestic elections. By partnering with local churches, pastors and national faith leaders, My Faith Votes mobilizes and resources Christians to lead the conversation on the place of faith in culture and politics. Gov. Mike Huckabee serves as the organization’s honorary national chairman.

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