TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A Central Florida Republican filed a bill Monday that would shield churches and clergy members from liability if they refuse to perform marriages that violate their beliefs.
The bill, filed by Rep. Scott Plakon, R-Longwood, comes after the U.S. Supreme Court in June ruled that same-sex couples have a fundamental right to marry.
After the ruling, Plakon went on Facebook and said he and Sen. Aaron Bean, R-Fernandina Beach, would file what was dubbed the "Pastor Protection Act" to safeguard clergy members from being forced to perform marriages contrary to their principles.
The bill filed Monday (HB 43) would go beyond clergy members, applying to churches, religious organizations and their employees. It also would go beyond solemnizing marriages, applying to such things as providing services and facilities.
Clergy and others in the bill would not be required to take part in marriages or related activities "if such an action would cause the church, organization, or individual to violate a sincerely held religious belief of the entity or individual,'' the bill said.
The proposal, which will be considered during the 2016 legislative session, would provide a shield from criminal or civil liability and also would provide protections for religious organizations' tax exemptions, government contracts, grants and licenses.
Nadine Smith, executive director of the advocacy group Equality Florida, criticized such proposals last month after Plakon posted the information of Facebook. She called the issue an "invented problem" and said ministers already can refuse to marry couples.