from WND:

The video-sharing platform Vimeo is being sued for allegedly violating the civil rights of a Christian political activist group by banning its videos based on the maker’s views on sexual orientation.

The complaint was filed by Tyler & Bursch LLP on behalf of Newport Beach, California-based Church United and its founder, Jim Domen, a pastor.

The religious nonprofit mobilizes church leaders to “respond to the spiritual problems threatening our cities.”  That includes providing information to pastors and churches regarding cultural issues such as the counseling of individuals who have unwanted same-sex attractions.

LGBT activists have succeeded in passing legislation in a number of states banning such counseling.

Church United’s Vimeo account had 89 videos, including five that centered on what is known as sexual orientation change efforts, or SOCE. Last year, the California Assembly considered a bill that would have expanded the state’s prohibition of SOCE. It eventually was dropped.

Vimeo terminated the account in November 2018, claiming it long had banned videos “that harass, incite hatred, or include discriminatory or defamatory speech.”

But the videos, including some by Domen, a former homosexual, featured the testimonies of people whose lives were positively impacted by SOCE.

Tyler & Bursch attorney Nada Higuera earlier this year sent a letter to Vimeo requesting the restoration of Church United’s account, arguing Domen was censored for his sexual orientation and religious beliefs.

Higuera contended the actions were in violation of California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act, which bans discrimination based on sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status or sexual orientation.

Vimeo rejected the request.

“All Americans, secular and religious, gay or straight, deserve the right to engage in public discourse, free from the type of censorship Vimeo is engaged in,” said Higuera. “Vimeo’s actions of deleting Church United’s account is discrimination and censorship, based entirely on an unspecified ideological objection to the message, or on the perceived identity and religious viewpoint of the speaker.”

Church United’s objective is to change and shape the moral culture of California communities.

Its agenda is based on 1 Timothy, 2:1-4, which states: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savoir, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

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