The former Navy chaplain who prayed “in Jesus’ name” won his election as State Representative in the Colorado legislature, despite receiving three death threats from pro-homosexual activists in recent weeks.
Gordon Klingenschmitt, Ph.D., won 70% of the vote in his first run for public office (in a district with about 43% registered Republican voters) and will be sworn in on Jan. 7 to the Colorado General Assembly from House District 15.
“I owe a great debt to our volunteers and donors, and I am humbled by the voters’ support. As perhaps the only ordained minister elected to our state Republican caucus, I will work hard to represent all people of my district, regardless of political or religious belief. As a Chaplain, veteran, and Ph.D. in Theology, I will defend everybody’s First Amendment rights,” Klingenschmitt said. “But death threats are not protected by the First Amendment.”
Klingenschmitt is an Air Force Academy graduate, 20-year military veteran, charity leader (built an orphanage for 94 children) and honorably discharged former Navy Chaplain who took a stand for the right to pray “in Jesus’ name” in uniform in 2006. Daring to defy an unconstitutional ban on free speech, he demanded a misdemeanor trial but was later vindicated by Congress who changed the policy, restoring freedom for Navy chaplains to pray publicly according to their own faith.
After calling for religious freedom for Christians (like Denver baker Jack Phillips) to opt-out of participating in gay ‘wedding’ ceremonies, Klingenschmitt recently received death threats from pro-homosexual activists, published. These threats have been reported to the FBI and state and local police, who are taking them seriously, and may prosecute offenders in cooperation with the U.S. Attorney.
“Some say they want me dead, but I would risk my life to defend religious freedom. It’s not homophobia when they really do threaten to kill you. In seven years of daily blogging, I have never once written that I fear or hate any person, but sadly, false accusations of phobia or hatred are published by dishonest activists who incite their angry readers to attack our Christian faith and push their divisive agenda,” Klingenschmitt said.
Klingenschmitt has emailed U.S. Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo., via Scott Overland), Speaker Mark Ferrandino (D-Colo.) and Dave Montez/Daniel Ramos of One-Colorado.org to request they publicly denounce these death threats. “It’s time we come together to defend freedom for all,” said Klingenschmitt, extending an open hand of friendship to anyone of good will.
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