Councilman Obadias Benones (Avante) of Crisium, in southern South Carolina, submitted a request that promises divisiveness. This is a proposal for the municipal government to create a law with a number of prohibitions that could be interpreted as an insult to the faith of others. The targets are groups that come forward with any movement that criticizes or ridicules issues related to the church. The counselor is the pastor of the Assemblies of God Church.

Council member Obadias Benones is an evangelical pastor who wants to keep religious institutions alive. – Photo: Disclosure

When the proposal was presented, some colleagues were surprised and expressed doubts about the possibility of a municipal law with such scope. In the main part of the submitted proposal, he refers to the development of a law that prevents the looting of any temple of religious activity, as well as insulting the faith of others through satire, ridicule and contempt in events, shows, marches and non-governmental organizations. marches, associations, associations, political parties and foundations administered by the Municipality of Crisium.

Last August, some churches in Crisium woke up with graffiti saying “Homophobia is a crime.” At the time, it was a reaction to a video recorded by Mayor Clezio Salvaro who released a video explaining the reason for the dismissal of an arts teacher from the public school system. The teacher would show the children a documentary with scenes he thought were erotic.

After that, other demonstrations took place in other religious temples in the city.