Proposed Florida Law Will Protect Pastors who Refuse to Marry Gays

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Proposed Florida Law Will Protect Pastors who Refuse to Marry Gays

February 23rd, 2016

Awake Goy

Florida bill would provide “extra layer of protection” for clergy who refuse to marry gays.

Last year the U.S. Supreme Court ruled same-sex marriage to be a fundamental right of citizens. As a result of this ruling, there has been much constellation and fallout in conservative Christian denominations that hold belief tenants firmly in opposition to homosexuality. Some pastors believe that they are open to lawsuits if they refuse to perform same-sex marriage, even though their faith forbids such marriages.

Republican Senator Aaron Bean has sponsored a bill in the Florida Legislature that would prevent clergy members from being compelled to perform marriage ceremonies contrary to their religious faith. The Bill, known as the “Pastor Protection Act”, is scheduled for consideration by the Florida Senate on February 23, 2016.

Christopher Walker, a Central Florida pastor and originator of the proposal, told a local newspaper that he desires to see this Bill pass because it will protect pastors from civil action when they refuse to perform gay marriages. He said: “It’s all about our legislative rights. We don’t care who marries who, we just don’t want people telling the church what they should and shouldn’t do.”

Strong anti-homosexual feelings permeate many conservative congregations, though they have openly gay parishioners in their midst. Pastor Walker admits that he has gay couples in his church, but insists that they are fully aware of his position on same-sex marriage.

Opponents to the proposed legislation say that it is unnecessary because clergy is already protected by First Amendment rights. But Walker and other pastors believe the Bill will add “an extra layer of protection” for them. “Right now, we’re very confident it could pass the House as well as the Senate, but in the meantime, we are speaking with senators and state representatives and gathering their support,” Walker stated.

Pastors from across Florida have planned a rally on March 1 at the Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee. The rally has is dubbed “Standing with God” and is scheduled to coincide with the expected House vote of the legislative proposal.