Last Sunday in worship two people mentioned Senate Bill 2453, a bill “concerning religious freedom with respect to marriage.” I will have copies of the bill available on Sunday for people interested in reading it.
The bill is breath taking in its scope. Section1 provides exemption for individuals and religious entities from being required by the government for providing services that are contrary to the individual or religious entities religious beliefs. Individuals or religious entities may withhold “any services, accommodations, advantages, facilities, goods, privileges, counseling, adoption, foster care and other social services, employment, employment benefits, related to, or related to the celebration of, any marriage, domestic partnership, civil union or similar arrangement.” Religious entities are defined as “a religious corporation, association, educational institution, or society.” Section 4(c) of the bill stipulates that nothing in the bill “shall be construed to authorize any governmental discrimination.”
In my view the bill is simply an act of discrimination guised as religious freedom, which I think is more traditionally limited to freedom to assemble and freedom to worship, and limiting the government from establishing a religion. I am not a legal scholar, but it is hard for me to see how this bill fits either of these definitions of religious freedom. I do not believe the bill has anything to do with religious freedom, as this has been traditionally understood in our nation.
I encourage you to read the bill, make up your own mind, and contact your legislator. I have heard from a reliable source that there is a concerted effort to get this bill enacted quickly. Your voice is important.
Blessings, David