Buddy Smith, vice president of the
Christian conservative American Family Association (AFA), has
criticized a campaign pledging not to discriminate against gay men
and lesbians, calling it an attack on Christians.
The “We don't discriminate”
campaign is a response to a controversial Mississippi law which
opponents say allows businesses to discriminate on the basis of
sexual orientation.
The Mississippi Religious Freedom
Restoration Act, which takes effect July 1, aims to “provide that
state action or an action by any person based on state action shall
not burden a person's right to the exercise of religion.”
Opponents say the measure could allow
businesses and individuals to refuse services to gay people and
minorities.
Round blue stickers declaring “We
don't discriminate. If you're buying, we're selling” are being
displayed in the windows of hundreds of businesses.
“It's not really a buying campaign,
but it's a bully campaign,” Smith
told One News Now. “And it's being carried out by radical
homosexual activists who intend to trample the freedom of Christians
to live according to the dictates of Scripture.”
“They don't want to hear that
homosexuality is sinful behavior – and they wish to silence
Christians and the church who dare to believe this truth.”
Businesses that display the sticker are
agreeing “that Christians no longer have the freedom to live out
the dictates of their Christian faith and conscience,” Smith added.