Now the Spokesman Review is helping to spread the disinformation. Big surprise? A recent article posted HERE clearly shows either a case of editorial buffoonery or willful blindness to the truth. In the end, it’s the same – deception-flavored kool aid and the useful… ahem… citizens are drinking it.
Spokesman Review article claims:
“A fundamentalist Christian organization in Mississippi is spearheading a protest…”
FACT: Intended to give the impression that it is a single group, and ‘outsiders’ at that, who are concerned about the plight of the Hitching Post wedding chapel owners, Don and Evelyn Knapp. The truth is that conservative Christian patriots EVERYWHERE, including within the affected Idaho community are outraged.
Spokesman Review article claims:
The ‘fundamentalist’ Christian group from Missouri are “claiming the city is planning to arrest two ministers if they refuse to perform same-sex marriage ceremonies. It’s not true, but that hasn’t stopped the calls and emails.”
FACT: In 2013, the city council of Coeur d’Alene overrode the public’s input and passed an ‘anti-discrimination’ ordinance criminalizing the refusal of service/business transactions with homosexuals. After being contacted by phone about providing wedding services to a homosexual couple, the Knapps contacted the city of Coeur d’Alene to inquire about the consequences of refusing to provide the service. The city official’s response was:
“Wilson also responded that Mr. Knapp was not exempt from the ordinance because the Hitching Post was a business and not a church,” the lawsuit states.
A violation of the city’s unconstitutional ordinance is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to $1000 and/or six months in jail. The city official’s quoted response above clearly shows where they stand on the issue, and one could easily reason the statement shows intent.
Spokesman Review article, quoting the Mayor:
“None of these people understand that we have an exemption,” Widmyer told S-R reporter Scott Maben today; you can read Maben’s full report here at spokesman.com.
FACT: Mr. Mayor, “these people” understand the Knapps were told by your city officials the exemption doesn’t apply to them because they were not a ‘legitimate non-profit religious corporation’, and that they WOULD NOT be exempt. They are a FOR PROFIT business.
Spokesman Review article states:
Gridley, who asked that the Hitching Post drop its suit, pointed out that two weeks ago the business took steps to become a nonprofit religious corporation.
JJS Question: “took steps?” What, do you mean when the Knapps amended their web page to describe their business as one which provides ‘traditional Christian’ weddings?
FACT: This is a LIE! They did not file a status change with the state, as is rumored by the spinsters and press ‘commenters’. I was in a meeting this Tuesday (21 Oct) with a group of pastors and community leaders. One of the pastors working closest with them, and supporting them, had just spoken to the Knapps 45 minutes prior to our meeting. He asked them about whether or not they had filed a change to their legal status with the state. They adamantly said they absolutely had not. They were still a for-profit LLC registered with the state. It appears that either the Coeur d’Alene press or the city of Coeur d’Alene blatantly lied. Why?
JJS Opinion: The city of Coeur d’Alene came under such heavy pressure, and now being faced with a lawsuit that apparently they will lose, they want out. They’re pulling the ‘JUST KIDDING’ card by claiming they have no issue with the Hitching Post any longer since they’re now a “nonprofit religious corporation.” And they are NOT!
Spokesman Review article states:
“None of that is mentioned in the American Family Association’s post about the case, “
FACT: Because it’s not true! So of course they didn’t mention it. Only the city ‘mentioned it’ when they fabricated it, along with the local left-wing-dominated so-called ‘news’ papers who are helping to spread the lies.
EXACTLY what I’ve been saying! Another article here at The BLAZE, reinforcing my position.
Final thoughts by JJS: This is not the fight the city was hoping for. They’re drooling over the opportunity to nail an easier, lower profile, helpless target to the wall, such as a Christian wedding photographer, a florist, or a wedding cake baker, to the wall.
The ‘non-profit religious corporation’ exemption is a ruse also. Pastors, community leaders, and legislators, don’t turn your back on the for-profit businesses and individuals and let them get prosecuted for their faith. The American Redoubt is the last hope for freedom, which is why conservative Christians are coming here in droves.
At least two city council members have stated that they want to see NO exemptions to their fascist, unconstitutional city ordinance. Not even for religious entities. Let that sink in, pastors!
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