House advances bill shielding pastors, churches from suits for refusal to assist gay weddings
AUSTIN — The House tentatively approved Thursday a bill saying that Texas pastors, churches and religious institutions can’t be sued by private parties or penalized by government for spurning gay weddings.
Many clergy, especially Southern Baptist ministers opposed to gay marriage, have testified they very much need the legal shield.
“Maybe pastors won’t be sued. But we need some protection in case they are,” said Rep. Patricia Harless, R-Spring, bill supporter.
The bill’s critics, though, have expressed skepticism that same-sex couples would try to coerce a reluctant religious leader to officiate at their unions. Even if some did, the U.S. Constitution and the Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1999 already protect pastors, opponents have said.
Read more: http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/2015/05/house-advances-bill-shielding-pastors-churches-from-suits-for-refusal-to-assist-gay-weddings.html/
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