BATON ROUGE, La. – A lawmaker's proposal aimed at protecting clergy and churches from being forced to perform same-sex marriage ceremonies will advance to the full Louisiana House for debate.
Rep. Mike Johnson, a Bossier City Republican, says the "Pastor Protection Act" is limited in scope, meant to protect clergy, churches and religious organization from violating a "sincerely held religious belief" in ceremonies they perform or host.
He says no other groups could deny services under his bill.
The House civil law committee voted 7-3 Tuesday to send the measure to the House floor.
Opponents say the proposal is discriminatory, unnecessary and may harm Louisiana's economy.
Gov. John Bel Edwards, a Democrat, supports the bill in its current form. Johnson says he'll oppose any attempt to widen its reach.
___
House Bill 597: www.legis.la.gov
The hottest stories ripped from the headlines, from crime to courts, legal and scandal.
