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VA Photographer Faces $100K Fines from Law that Favors Gay Rights over Christian Convictions

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The case of a photographer who could face massive fines because of his Christian beliefs about same-sex marriage is in the courts’ hands.  Bob Updegrove is fighting the Virginia Values Act, which he insists favors gay rights over religious convictions.

After a hearing in a Virginia court, photographer Updegrove talked on a media call about how he feels state lawmakers slander his beliefs, saying they “call views like mine bigotry, and want to punish me and remove me from the public square.”

Might Have to Photograph Same-Sex Weddings Though He Believes They’re Not Biblical

His lawyers maintain their client isn’t anti-gay. He’s simply following his faith while trying to make a living.

One of them, the Alliance Defending Freedom’s Johannes Widmalm-Delphonse, told CBN News about Updegrove, “He believes marriage is between one man and one woman. And Bob serves everyone; he just can’t convey all messages.”

“I serve customers no matter who they are,” the photographer said. “But the government oversteps when it attempts to force me to promote views I disagree with.”

Could Be Fined $100,000 Per Violation

And if Updegrove refuses to shoot all kinds of weddings, Virginia could hit him with harsh penalties. 

“$50,000 for a first-time violation and $100,000 for a second-time violation - enough to put any small business owner out of business,” Widmalm-Delphonse explained.

“If the government can tell you what to do, what to say and what to create, then we do not live in a free America,” Updegrove contended.

Might Be a Photographer Today, but Could Be You Tomorrow

“Remember, this affects everybody,” Widmalm-Delphonse said. “A Democratic speechwriter should not have to create a stump speech for a Republican candidate.   And a Muslim artist should not be forced to create a t-shirt saying ‘Jesus, Son of God’ for a Christian church."

Updegrove’s lawyers believe this Virginia court will likely side with their client because of what the U.S. Supreme Court has already decided on this issue.   Remember, it ruled in June 2018 because of wedding cake creator Jack Phillips’ religious beliefs, saying he couldn’t be forced to bake cakes for same-sex weddings. 

***As Big Tech censors media outlets they don’t like and shuts down various free speech platforms, be sure to sign up for CBN News emails and the CBN News app to ensure you keep receiving news from a Christian Perspective.***

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About The Author

Paul
Strand

As a freelance reporter for CBN's Jerusalem bureau and during 27 years as senior correspondent in CBN's Washington bureau, Paul Strand has covered a variety of political and social issues, with an emphasis on defense, justice, government, and God’s providential involvement in our world. Strand began his tenure at CBN News in 1985 as an evening assignment editor in Washington, D.C. After a year, he worked with CBN Radio News for three years, returning to the television newsroom to accept a position as a senior editor in 1990. Strand moved back to the nation's capital in 1995 and then to