Whenever the proponents of same-sex marriage have talked about its legalization, they have usually said that ministers would still have the freedom to decline to do a marriage ceremony for a gay or lesbian couple. After all, pastors sometimes refuse to officiate at a wedding for theological reasons. It would stand to reason they could also decline to participate in a same-sex marriage for theological reasons.

Earlier this month a case arose in Idaho, where city officials told two ordained ministers they have to officiate same-sex weddings or face fines and jail time. Donald and Evelyn Knapp are both ordained ministers, who run the Hitching Post Wedding Chapel. Officials from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho told the couple they were under the city’s non-discrimination statute and must officiate a same-sex wedding.

The Knapps face a 180-day jail term and $1,000 fine for each day they decline to celebrate the same-sex wedding. Ryan Anderson is a recent article does the math. If the Knapps even wait a week before they officiate at the wedding, they could face three and a half years in jail and $7,000 in fines.

Back when same-sex marriage was being debated, we were told this would never happen. Raising concerns about ministers being forced to officiate at same-sex marriages was seen as fear mongering.

This is the first case, but many more will follow. A city ordinance that creates special privileges based on sexual orientation will create special mischief from gay activists who believe the government should coerce everyone to accept and even celebrate gay marriage.

Governments should protect the freedom of religion and the freedom of association. But lately government has been using its power to tell photographers, bakers, florists, innkeepers, and now ministers that they need to participate in same-sex weddings or celebrations despite their religious objections.

The latest controversy illustrates why we should pay attention even to local elections and proceedings. Who you elect to city council can affect your religious freedom.