Sports betting is just one of many areas targeted in a push from Southern Baptists to Dallas lawmakers.
Southern Baptists are set to meet this week in Dallas, where they will be asked to approve resolutions on a number of topics. That includes a legal ban on pornography, reversing the US Supreme Court’s decision to approve same-sex marriage, and curtailing sports betting, reports ABC News.
The large evangelical Protestant group, where strong support for President Donald Trump can be found, are calling for the changes to be made to bring laws closer to what they believe is more in line with the Bible. Other internal measures up for discussion include banning female pastors and anti-abortion measures.
The measures against gambling, pornography, gender, and LGBTQ+ people reflect long-running values of the group but could soon become official legislation if approved by lawmakers. They have been proposed by the official Committee on Resolutions, who typically enjoy strong support from the public.
Southern Baptists’ influence is already ingrained
Supporters from among the Southern Baptists argue that Dallas lawmakers should “pass laws that reflect the truth of creation and natural law — about marriage, sex, human life, and family” and should oppose laws contradicting “what God has made plain through nature and Scripture.”
The religious group already has a presence in politics, with Southern Baptist Mike Johnson currently in the role of speaker of the House of Representatives and third in line to the presidency.
However, the Southern Baptist Convention itself has been suffering a drop-off in membership of late, with 2024 recording a 2% decrease from the year before, making
The meeting comes as the Southern Baptist Convention continues its long membership slide, down 2% in 2024 from the previous year, marking its 18th consecutive annual decline.
Sports betting has come under fire in a number of places, from the Netherlands to India.
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