Christian Groups Challenge California’s New Hate Speech Instruction in Workplaces

Christian groups and churches in California are expressing concern over a newly enacted law related to workplace hate speech instruction. They argue that the legislation could impose a government-approved stance on topics such as sexual orientation and gender identity.

California’s Assembly Bill 1803 mandates employers to integrate ‘anti-hate speech’ instruction into workplace harassment training. Signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, the law takes effect on January 1, 2028. It requires employers with at least five employees to include instruction on identifying, reporting, and addressing speech that vilifies or incites hatred based on protected characteristics. These include sexual orientation and gender identity.

Christian churches emphasizing biblical teachings that oppose homosexual acts or same-sex relationships find themselves not specifically exempt from these new requirements. The California Family Council, along with pastors from various traditional churches, voice their concerns. They warn that longstanding Christian views on sexuality and gender might clash with the interpretation of hateful speech in workplaces.

Greg Burt, vice president of the California Family Council, commented on the state’s approach to address perceptions of gender and sexual orientation in workplaces. He claims that California’s Civil Rights Department designed a curriculum that explicitly discourages conservative views.

Dr. Paul Chappell, pastor of Lancaster Baptist Church, critiques the legislative intent behind AB 1803. He views it as an effort to create bias against conservatives. Burt, in a past Assembly hearing, noted the challenge of regulating speech due to the difficulty of defining it.

Previously, sexual harassment training included aspects related to gender identity and sexual orientation, leading to confusion among some about its implications. Burt explains that this confusion prompted the development of the current training curriculum.

AB 1803 does not necessitate separate training sessions. Instead, employers will incorporate new content into existing programs. A training slide from the California Civil Rights website outlines ‘gender identity’ as an individual’s internal perception of their gender. This understanding can vary widely from male and female to nonbinary or a combination.

Burt stresses the potential for the term ‘hate speech’ to extend beyond obvious cases, targeting religious beliefs. He warns about the government’s ability to define ‘hate,’ potentially impacting employers who might have to discipline employees based on religious convictions.

The training requirements affect not only the private sector but extend to public school educators and workers in numerous state-licensed fields. Burt notes the possibility of lawsuits if employers neglect to act on training guidelines.

Equality California, a prominent LGBTQ+ advocacy group, advocates for these requirements, citing gaps in existing harassment training that leave employees exposed to adverse environments.

Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills criticizes the law, asserting it infringes on church activities. Hibbs believes the California legislature aims to position themselves as moral authorities, imposing what he describes as a ‘hate speech’ agenda on churches.

Fox News Digital contacted the office of Governor Newsom and the California Civil Rights Department but received no comments.