Gene Mills, an ordained minister and executive director of the Louisiana Family Forum, is one force to be reckoned with when it comes to protecting the family and the freedoms cherished by Louisianans – and Americans.
1. You were named among the top 10 most influential people in Louisiana. Can you tell me more about the honor you received?
That was kind of a surprise. It was a decision that was made by a very credible writer, Jeremy Alford.
He highlighted the top 10 Republicans, Democrats and Independents in terms of their overall impact and their ability to engage public policy and make a difference. He has subsequently written a number of articles about us, including one called, “Holy Warriors.”
He puts the pieces of the puzzle together that there are a number of very conservative Democrats and Republicans, with whom I have a good working relationship. And, because of that meaningful dialogue, we’re able to advance a pro-family, pro-faith legislative agenda.
2. Along those lines, you were successful in getting a religious liberty statute passed. Can you explain what this statute does and how it will protect families?
The bill basically establishes, in state law, a standard of review that is much more onerous for the government, which says before you can abridge, limit or even approach the prospect of limiting someone’s religious expression, you have to show a greater degree of compelling governmental interest and a “least restrictive” standard.
It’s an old standard review that existed in Louisiana, but was changed in 1974, when our constitution was changed. We now have an umbrella of protection around religious expression – and we’re not going to allow that to change.
3. Why was the statute necessary?
There are those who don’t understand the law or its necessity. Who don’t really believe that religious expression is under assault –notwithstanding the constant attack on the phrases “under God” and “in God we trust,” displaying the Ten Commandments, saying “in Jesus’ name” in valedictory prayers, etc.
There is an obvious trend in the courts to limit religious expression, especially as it relates to (the GLBT agenda), which involves hate crimes, employment non-discrimination, and the re-definition of gender, family and parentage.
We are moving in state policy and law to protect and encourage that form of religious freedoms.
4. Did this new statute play a role in Baton Rouge, where the city council tried to add a sexual orientation and gender identity ordinance?
It absolutely did. What we found was that in the arena of ideas, the truth generally does very well when it’s presented effectively and persuasively.
We were successful in advancing 31 pro-family, pro-life tools in the Legislature – all of which were adopted and amended into law.
Many of those limited the redefinition of parenting, family or fatherhood. Homosexual activists tried to introduce a legally undefined term – sexual orientation –into the city government’s lexicon, and then give an advance directive that any number of expressions of appreciation and expressions of integration must be administered.
That measure was soundly defeated when the two co-sponsors realized they were not only defeated, they were blown away in opposition. So, they pulled their support for the measure and took it off the calendar.
5. We are just months away from the upcoming election. What are thoughts on the civic engagement of Christians?
I would encourage CitizenLink readers to understand that there are no innocent bystanders –just those who are guilty of standing by.
I don’t mean that in a critical or harsh way. I mean it in a responsible, stewardship way.
I believe this generation is looking for some leadership.
If it’s our responsibility to steward these territories and this authority, which rightly belong to God, then we have stewardship responsibility to represent and reflect – not in the form of criticism or complaint –to move and responsibly engage in the debate and to responsibly redeem the process through our participation.
CITIZENLINK OUTREACH
The governor’s wife is encouraging churches and the faith community to prepare and participate in what she calls a “Back to School Program,” where knapsacks are being prepared and supplied for those families in the deep coast region that are deeply affected by the disaster and the government’s moratorium on drilling.
Find out how you can participate in First Lady Supriya Jindal’s “School Supply Drive.”
Read the Shreveport Times article, “Supriya Jindal rallies for school supplies.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Learn more about the Louisiana Family Forum.
“Must Read” on Gene Mills in the May 29 article in The Independent Weekly, “Holy Warriors.”
Related posts:
- Important Louisiana Bills Could Affect Families
- Friday Five: Home-School Advocate Michael Farris
- Friday Five: Eric Buehrer with Gateways to Better Education
- Video Friday Five: Kelly Shackelford
- Missouri Lawmakers Back Religious Liberty Legislation
