Printed in the Herald-Times, May 5, 2006
To the Editor:
As a Christian conservative Republican (in that order) I am disappointed that David Sabbagh sponsored the "gender identity" ordinance. When a Republican sponsors legislation that the Christian conservative base of the GOP finds grossly offensive, he cannot expect them to remain silent.
Race, sex, and national origin are immutable characteristics, whereas "gender identity" and "sexual orientation" are not. One cannot choose whether to be black, whether one is biologically male or female, or where one was born. For someone who is biologically male to choose to live as a woman is a conscious decision.
God established men and women as different, but some are tempted by sin and rebel against Him. (See Deuteronomy 22:5) Sexual sin, especially sodomy, not only provokes the wrath of God but is a sin against one's own body. (See I Corinthians 6:18)
Thankfully, there is an escape from sexual sins. The shed blood of Jesus Christ will bring forgiveness of sin and the cleansing power of the Holy Spirit. You are not alone: we are all powerless to save ourselves from the damnation our sin brings upon us. I invite anyone tempted by these sins to visit Church of the Good Shepherd here in Bloomington.
Scott Tibbs.
