“Quoting the Bible Could Cost Me My Career”: Virginia Realtor Faces Ethics Charges Over Biblical Beliefs
In a shocking case that raises concerns about free speech and religious liberty, Wilson Fauber, a veteran real estate agent and ordained minister from Staunton, Virginia, faces possible career-ending penalties for sharing scripture on his personal Facebook page—scripture that defines marriage as between one man and one woman.
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has charged Fauber with violating its code of ethics, citing its 2020 policy against “harassing speech, hate speech, epithets, or slurs” related to protected characteristics, including sexual orientation and gender identity. Fauber’s hearing is set for December 4, where he risks losing access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), an essential tool for realtors.
“It’s unthinkable that my personal faith, shared on my personal account years ago, could now be used to destroy my career,” Fauber told The Federalist. “I’ve been in real estate for 44 years, and now quoting scripture could end it all.”
From Facebook Post to Ethics Complaint
The controversy stems from a 2015 Facebook post where Fauber shared Bible verses and commentary affirming traditional Christian views on marriage. He reposted remarks by Rev. Franklin Graham, adding his perspective as a minister, and did so before the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision legalizing same-sex marriage. At the time, the post drew no complaints.
The matter resurfaced in 2022 when Fauber ran for Staunton City Council. Opposition groups, criticizing his Christian beliefs, labeled him “The Hater” and flagged his 2015 post. Fauber says that a reporter approached him about the post, asking if he still stood by his views. Fauber affirmed his beliefs, triggering an ethics complaint.
Citing Faith as Hate Speech
The ethics complaint doesn’t stop at Fauber’s marriage views. It also references a recent post where he expressed concerns over female athletes being injured by transgender competitors. The Founding Freedoms Law Center (FFLC), a non-profit legal group defending Fauber, argues these charges represent a troubling weaponization of “hate speech” policies.
“Apparently, quoting the Bible is enough to trigger a formal ethics hearing,” the FFLC said in a statement. “These Orwellian rules are being used to silence viewpoints, particularly Christian ones, under the guise of tolerance.”
The Stakes: A Career in Jeopardy
Losing his NAR membership would bar Fauber from accessing the MLS, a cornerstone of the real estate business.
“It’s nearly impossible to work as a realtor without the MLS,” Fauber explained. “It provides critical market data, from property history to legal restrictions.”
Victoria Cobb, president of the Family Foundation of Virginia, criticized the NAR for not dismissing the charges outright. “If personal faith posted on personal accounts is now hate speech, we’ve lost the meaning of freedom in America,” she said.
Michael Sylvester, FFLC litigation counsel, warned of the broader implications. “If this can happen to Wilson, it can happen to anyone. If quoting scripture is deemed hate speech, our society has reached a disturbing low.”
A Battle for Free Speech and Faith
Fauber’s case has become a lightning rod in the debate over free speech, religious liberty, and professional ethics. Supporters argue the hearing could set a dangerous precedent, silencing individuals with traditional beliefs under the guise of inclusivity.
“This is bigger than me,” Fauber said. “If we can’t defend our faith and values, what kind of freedom do we have left?”
The December 4 hearing will not only determine Fauber’s career but may also signal how far professional organizations can go in policing personal beliefs.
News Source: https://cbn.com/news/us/virginia-real-estate-agent-could-lose-license-posting-scriptures-about-marriage
