Post by Guadalupe on Mar 13, 2015 9:15:18 GMT -5
Efforts are underway to protect religious freedom in Alabama by granting civil immunity to churches and organizations who do not believe in homosexual marriage.
Alabama House approves 'religious freedom' bill
Associated Press
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (March 13, 2015) - The Alabama House has approved legislation saying no one can require a judge, minister or church to perform a wedding they don't want to perform, a measure widely seen as targeting homosexual marriages.
The bill also gives civil immunity to churches, ministers and religious-affiliated organizations if they refuse to host or recognize a wedding.
Democratic Rep. Chris England said that language could lead to discrimination, because it would allow religious-affiliated organizations to deny recognition to homosexual marriages.
Homosexuals began marrying in some Alabama counties on Feb. 9 after a federal judge ruled the state's gay marriage ban was unconstitutional.
The same-sex weddings came to a halt last week at the direction of the Alabama Supreme Court. The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments April 28 over whether gay and lesbian couples have a constitutional right to marry everywhere in the country or if states can ban such unions. A ruling is expected in June. www.onenewsnow.com/ap/politics/alabama-house-approves-religious-freedom-bill#.VQLvymTF8b0
Associated Press
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (March 13, 2015) - The Alabama House has approved legislation saying no one can require a judge, minister or church to perform a wedding they don't want to perform, a measure widely seen as targeting homosexual marriages.
The bill also gives civil immunity to churches, ministers and religious-affiliated organizations if they refuse to host or recognize a wedding.
Democratic Rep. Chris England said that language could lead to discrimination, because it would allow religious-affiliated organizations to deny recognition to homosexual marriages.
Homosexuals began marrying in some Alabama counties on Feb. 9 after a federal judge ruled the state's gay marriage ban was unconstitutional.
The same-sex weddings came to a halt last week at the direction of the Alabama Supreme Court. The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments April 28 over whether gay and lesbian couples have a constitutional right to marry everywhere in the country or if states can ban such unions. A ruling is expected in June. www.onenewsnow.com/ap/politics/alabama-house-approves-religious-freedom-bill#.VQLvymTF8b0