In Virginia, Wilson Fauber, an experienced real estate agent, finds himself embroiled in a significant ethical controversy that may jeopardize his career. The charges stem from his social media activity, particularly his posts that articulate his belief, rooted in scripture, about the definition of marriage as between a man and a woman.
Represented by the Founding Freedoms Law Center (FFLC), Fauber is preparing for a hearing on December 4 before the National Association of Realtors (NAR) ethics panel. His legal team argues that the charges are a blatant attack on his freedom of speech and religious expression. Fauber’s posts, made as far back as 2015 on his personal Facebook page, referenced biblical definitions of marriage, coinciding with the Supreme Court’s pivotal decision to redefine marriage in 2015 and occurring before a 2020 amendment to NAR’s ethics code addressing hate speech and other forms of discrimination.
In an interview, Fauber explained that his original post included biblical quotes and context added for emphasis. He emphasized his commitment to his beliefs, asserting, “I do believe in the scripture and what I posted.” However, he did not face any backlash until he announced his candidacy for the Staunton City Council last year. It was then that an opposition group labeled him as “The Hater” and scrutinized his longstanding social media posts. This scrutiny ultimately led to an ethics complaint against him, which cited both his earlier posts about marriage and a more recent comment regarding the impact of transgender athletes on women’s sports.
The nature of the complaint raises fundamental concerns about the intersection of professional ethics and personal beliefs. According to FFLC representatives, the complaint is indicative of a broader societal shift where expressing biblical truths can be construed as hate speech, a characterization they vehemently contest. Fauber remains adamant that he has not engaged in any form of hate speech against individuals or groups. The stakes are high—if found in violation of NAR’s rules, Fauber could not only face financial penalties but also lose his ability to operate in the field of real estate, as access to the multiple listing service (MLS) is integral to his work.
The implications of this situation extend beyond just Fauber’s career; advocates like Victoria Cobb, president of the Family Foundation of Virginia, express concern that this case reflects a troubling trend where personal faith is criminalized in professional settings. Cobb laments that the board’s decision not to dismiss these ethics charges could signal a broader intolerance towards varying belief systems.
As the hearing approaches, FFLC’s litigation counsel, Michael Sylvester, underscores a critical notion: “If quoting the Bible is hate speech, then society has really reached a new low.” He argues that this situation exemplifies the risks professionals face when they express their values publicly. Fauber’s case, he posits, is a cautionary tale for anyone who may find themselves similarly challenged for their beliefs.
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