Southern Baptists Expected to Vote on Bans for Porn, Sports Betting, Same-Sex Marriage

The Southern Baptist Convention, meeting in Dallas in 2025, is set to consider resolutions calling for legal bans on pornography, sports betting, and same-sex marriage, advocating for laws based on their interpretation of biblical creation and natural law. The denomination also plans to debate internal controversies, including a proposed ban on churches with women pastors and calls to defund its public policy arm over its stance on abortion prosecutions. Despite the strong support for President Donald Trump within the Southern Baptist community, the agenda notably lacks direct references to his policies on tariffs, immigration, or budget cuts. This meeting coincides with the 40th anniversary of a pivotal 1985 Dallas convention that marked a conservative shift within the denomination, aligning it more closely with the Christian conservative political movement. The Southern Baptist Convention continues to experience a decline in membership, with an 18th consecutive annual decrease recorded in 2024. While the group seeks to influence legislation reflecting its values, broader public opinion remains largely supportive of marriage equality, and legal protections like the Respect for Marriage Act ensure federal recognition of same-sex marriages regardless of state bans.