An insurance company headquartered in Fort Wayne has refused to offer a property policy to a Michigan church that belongs
to a denomination that backs gay rights.
Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Co., says the risk of insuring West Adrian United Church of Christ is too great because its national governing body has approved gay marriage and ordination of homosexuals.
Controversial stances like support for gay rights could result in property damage or litigation, Brotherhood Mutual told the Adrian church, which is near Ann Arbor and Toledo, Ohio.
In a story in todayâ??s Wall Street Journal, a Brotherhood Mutual spokeswoman said that while the company wasn't aware of violence, the controversies have caused expensive litigation when churches and other denominations split.
The spokeswoman added that Brotherhood Mutual also avoids churches for circumstances including support for militia groups and picketing military funerals.
Did Brotherhood Mutual make the right call?
Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Co., says the risk of insuring West Adrian United Church of Christ is too great because its national governing body has approved gay marriage and ordination of homosexuals.
Controversial stances like support for gay rights could result in property damage or litigation, Brotherhood Mutual told the Adrian church, which is near Ann Arbor and Toledo, Ohio.
In a story in todayâ??s Wall Street Journal, a Brotherhood Mutual spokeswoman said that while the company wasn't aware of violence, the controversies have caused expensive litigation when churches and other denominations split.
The spokeswoman added that Brotherhood Mutual also avoids churches for circumstances including support for militia groups and picketing military funerals.
Did Brotherhood Mutual make the right call?
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What a stupid policy and and with management like that it won't be long before they go out of business.
That's true that with stupid policies, the insurance company may go out of business, but that's also their decision to make. If, in their minds, it wouldn't make financial sense to insure the church, they shouldn't have to. While I personally disagree with their stance (since it does appear to be discriminating against the church since the church doesn't discriminate against gays), I do support the fact that they are free to make their own decision.
There are plenty of other insurance agencies who would be happy to have the church's business. Like berwickguy said, since they are both private organizations, they are free to do as they choose. The minute you let the government require private companies to insure everyone, regardless of risk, that's when you have defeated the purpose of insurance