Catholic counselor sues Oregon over $90k fine for not ‘blessing’ client’s lesbian relationship
- Supreme Court explicitly rejected the Beaver State’s argument, that words alone are “professional conduct,” when it stopped Colorado from punishing therapist for not affirming young clients’ gender confusion, lawsuit says.
By Greg Piper
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Oregon has repeatedly tangled with federal courts over the burdens it places on the free exercise of religion in such matters as public accommodations, abortion coverage mandates and eligibility to adopt and receive state funding, after finding approval in state courts.
The Beaver State appears to be on another collision course with judges not on its payroll by fining a Catholic counselor nearly $90,000 for refusing to “personally” affirm a client’s same-sex relationship, deeming it a violation of “professional conduct” obligations.
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This case is the latest in a series of legal clashes in Oregon involving religious liberty and state anti-discrimination laws. It raises a fundamental question for the modern era: Can a state licensing board require a professional to affirm a client’s lifestyle if it conflicts with their personal faith?
As the case moves to the Oregon Court of Appeals, it stands as a pivotal moment for professionals across the country who navigate the delicate balance between their career obligations and their personal convictions.
As a not a “Catholic”, whatever that means, it seems that the Gooferment politicians and bureaucrats don’t want religious liberty to conflict with the Supreme Being of Gooferment. Can only be one queen bee in a hive. Hence the centralized authority of the State must literally kill off all other contenders.
My problem is with the concept of an “administrative law judge” — just a Gooferment bureaucrat, who works for the Oregon Employment Department’s Office of Administrative Hearings — “sentencing” penalties that is not the result of jury trial. In this case, the all-powerful State wants to be judge, jury, and executioner.
Seems like SCOTUS has rebuked the administrative state several times but that doesn’t keep it from trying again and again and again.
When do “We, The Sheeple” take the matter up with those seeking their votes?
Argh!
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