US: Louisiana church evicts Alcoholics Anonymous group, blames gay marriage
A Louisiana church has blamed same-sex marriage for its decision to kick out an AA group.
The Westwood Baptist Church (unrelated to the Westboro Baptist Church) in Keithville had hosted an Alcoholics Anonymous group for years – but claims if it continues to do so, it would be forced to perform same-sex weddings.
In a letter sent to the group, pastor David Venable claimed the church had no choice but to kick them out – or else he would have to let gays marry in the church.
He wrote “As I am sure you are aware, God’s church, his written word, and its values and principles have come under a constant and aggressive attack from the homosexual and lesbian community.
“Churches and Christian businesses alike, across our nation, are being forced, by our legal system, to accommodate these groups in the use of their buildings/facilities to perform marriage ceremonies, receptions… due to a court decision they say was based on the fact the churches and business were accepting and accommodating other public entities, and therefore must also accommodate the homosexual and lesbian community.”
The group will not be able to meet in the church from October 1.
Adrienne Critcher of People Acting for Change and Equality ridiculed the decision, telling KSLA: “Even if we have legalized gay marriage throughout the country no church will be forced to marry gay people if they don’t want to.
“They have every protection, gay people have no protection, so who is it that should be afraid of being victimized?”
