Title: Authorizes Officials to Refuse to Perform Marriage Ceremonies
Vote Smart's Synopsis:
Vote to pass a bill that authorizes officials to refuse to perform certain marriage duties.
Highlights:
Authorizes a marriage officiant to refuse to solemnize the marriage of an individual, including, but not limited to, the following officiants (Sec. 2):
A licensed minister, priest, or rabbi;
An active or retired judge; or
A pastor of a religious society.
Authorizes a church, society, or other religious organization to refuse to provide accommodations or services for the marriage of an individual (Sec. 2).
Prohibits an individual from filing any civil claim or criminal prosecution against a licensed minster other similar official of a church, society, or other religious organization, and the religious organization itself, based on the refusal to officiate or accommodate a marriage (Sec. 2).
Prohibits a state agency or local government from basing a decision to penalize, withhold benefits from, or refuse to contract with a church, society, or other religious organization on the refusal of an individual within that organization to officiate a marriage (Sec. 2).