Rep. Scott Plakon, R-Longwood, said his proposal (HB 43) is an “extra layer of protection” intended to assure that clergy do not have to perform same-sex marriages if they violate their religious beliefs or moral convictions.
Church and state collided Wednesday in a Capitol hearing room crowded with dozens of clergy members as a House panel advanced a controversial “pastor protection act,” prompted by the U.S. Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage.
Rep. Scott Plakon, R-Longwood, said his proposal (HB 43) is an “extra layer of protection” intended to assure that clergy do not have to perform same-sex marriages if they violate their religious beliefs or moral convictions.
Plakon acknowledged the U.S. Constitution already shields clergy and religious organizations from being forced to conduct such ceremonies. But since the justices’ ruling in June, many ministers and social conservatives have grown increasingly alarmed, he said.
“There have been numerous changes in the law and culture,” Plakon said. “This just makes it clear” that clergy remain protected from legal challenges.
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