You May Be Fined in NYC for Calling Someone the “Wrong” Pronoun

by Ken Ham

Can employers and landlords be fined for not using preferred pronouns like “zhe” or “hir” when referring to transgender individuals?

Gender

Well, when we first heard of this report, we wondered whether it was a hoax or a misunderstanding of a situation. But we verified that the New York City Commission on Human Rights has recently released new guidelines to clarify their definition of gender and gender discrimination, which we declare are based on man’s fallible opinions (and go against the obvious natural order of things), and not the Word of God. These guidelines provide explicit examples of what the Commission calls violations of the law, such as the following:

  • Intentional or repeated refusal to use an individual’s preferred name, pronoun or title. For example, repeatedly calling a transgender woman “him” or “Mr.” after she has made clear which pronouns and title she uses.
  • Refusal to use an individual’s preferred name, pronoun, or title because they do not conform to gender stereotypes. For example, calling a woman “Mr.” because her appearance is aligned with traditional gender-based stereotypes of masculinity.
  • Requiring a transgender or gender non-conforming individual to provide proof of their gender in order to access the appropriate single-sex program or facility.

If these new guidelines are violated, the punishment could be a civil penalty of $125,000 or $250,000 for “violations that are the result of willful, wanton, or malicious conduct.” Transgender people do not want to conform to their biological gender, and these new guidelines have been written because there are some that want to force others to accommodate this regardless of what they believe.

America has lost any semblance of biblical thinking, and this is clearly showing up in the laws and regulations that are being established. Sinful behaviors are being applauded and protected in the courts, and those who choose to disagree with sinful lifestyles are being punished for refusing to condone or accommodate these choices. As our culture continues to reject God’s Word and do what’s right in its own eyes, we can only expect things like this to increase.

We Are All Sinners in Need of a Savior

As Christians, we need to stand firmly and lovingly on God’s Word. In a culture that has utterly rejected our Creator’s words, it’s more important than ever that we stand boldly on God’s unchanging Word and speak truth. Scripture tells us that God created male and female (Genesis 1:27) and He has clearly laid out for us in His Word what it means to be male and female. We aren’t at liberty to change or redefine God’s good design based on our emotions or feelings. Instead, we need to lovingly reach out to others with the truth of the gospel and God’s Word to show them that we are all sinners in need of the Savior Jesus Christ. That’s what this culture needs—the gospel of Jesus Christ to change hearts for now and eternity.

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,
Ken

This item was written with the assistance of AiG’s research team.

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