VIRGINIA PASTOR CONVICTED FOR QUOTING BIBLE VERSES, ACCUSED OF HATE SPEECH

A Christian pastor and realtor in Virginia, Wilson Fauber (70), was found guilty by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) ethics panel for posting Bible verses on social media.

Fauber, who has worked in the real estate industry for over 40 years, was found to have violated the NAR Code of Ethics, which prohibits the use of hate speech, slurs, or derogatory language related to race, religion, gender, and sexual orientation.

The case stemmed from Fauber's posts expressing his views on marriage and human sexuality according to traditional Christian teachings, made long before the NAR adopted its rule in 2020. The posts resurfaced during Fauber's 2023 campaign for Staunton City Council.

Two fellow realtors, who had never met Fauber, filed formal ethics complaints alleging that his posts violated NAR’s hate speech rules. One of the complainants was reportedly an openly gay man.

Fauber's attorney, Michael Sylvester, expressed disappointment with the decision and is considering further legal options. "The message is clear: Bible-believing Christian realtors must stay silent," he said.

Victoria Cobb, president of The Family Foundation, described the decision as anti-Christian discrimination in the real estate profession. She warned that it could silence the religious expression of over 1.5 million realtors in the U.S.

In his statement, Fauber asserted that as a pastor, he has the right to express his faith on his personal social media. "The NAR policy applies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The cancel culture police are always watching!" Fauber remarked.

A drag show organized by a realtor group in Charlottesville last month was also cited as one of the triggers for this tension. Fauber believes the NAR supports LGBT ideology that conflicts with his beliefs.

The case is ongoing, and Fauber and his legal team are considering further legal action.