The House passed the hotly debated “Pastor Protection” Act Wednesday. Democratic lawmakers argued that the bill would create a way for businesses to discriminate against LGBTQ people.
Republican Nino Vitale has pushed for the “Pastor Protection” Act since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of same-sex marriage.
His bill would allow clergy to refuse to solemnize marriages based on religious beliefs.
“They see a very clear and real reason for the protection that this bill provides,” he said.
But Democrat Janine Boyd stood against a provision, which she says allows other undefined groups to refuse public accommodations.
“Proprietors of property and services that rent to the public at-large can turn away members of the LGBTQ community,” she said.
Opponents also argue that religious leaders are already protected under the Constitution.
