Lead Letter: I don't need to be protected from marrying gay couples

I am an ordained United Methodist pastor. So you might think that the so-called "Pastor Protection Act" was designed to protect people like me.

But that is not true.

HB 43 and SB 110, the so-called "Pastor Protection Act," has been presented as a measure needed to "protect" religious leaders and institutions from being forced to solemnize same-sex marriage ceremonies.

As an ordained pastor currently presiding at Avondale United Methodist Church in Jacksonville, I want readers to know that this is a false premise.

MINISTERS HAVE PROTECTIONS

All religious professionals of every persuasion have the right to choose not to marry a couple for any reason.

I have, for instance, chosen to encourage a couple to get further counseling and postpone a wedding - despite all the hubbub that caused.

I am not a public official.

I do not have to marry anyone.

I marry people out of the church's authorization. And I do not need the state government or anyone else "assisting" me in making those choices.

The "Pastor Protection Act" is inflammatory.

And it perpetuates homophobia.

It is irresponsible and dangerous to imply that people of faith need to be "protected" now that LGBT people can legally marry.

LGBT people are no threat to me.

Or to my faith in Jesus Christ.

The God of my faith is a God of love and mercy, and has clearly instructed me to offer the same to other people - without exception.

Besides, the First Amendment protects pastors who may still choose not to solemnize same-sex marriage ceremonies, though many faith traditions have embraced same-sex couples with open arms.

ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAW NEEDED

The real issue on the table, from which some people would like us to be distracted, is The Florida Competitive Workforce Act (HB 45 and SB 120), which would prohibit discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Floridians in employment, housing and public accommodations.

Here in Jacksonville, the LGBT community is particularly vulnerable, given that this is the nation's largest city without any fully inclusive Human Rights Ordinance on the books.

These are protections that allow us to attract businesses to our community and to compete more effectively in worldwide markets.

These are protections that ensure people's abilities to support their families (without relying on government support).

These are protections that are needed by people who face real harm - real discrimination.

The Rev. Clare Watson Chance, senior pastor,

Avondale United Methodist Church,

Jacksonville