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The Latest: Missouri religious exemption measure advances
Published March 09, 2016
The Latest on the Missouri Senate debate over a proposed amendment to the state constitution granting greater religious protections to individuals, organizations and some business owners who object to same-sex marriage (all times local):
7:35 a.m.
The GOP-led Missouri Senate has given initial approval to a proposal to amend the Missouri Constitution to provide further religious protections for those objecting to gay marriage.
The 23-9 vote Wednesday came after Republicans broke a more than 30-hour Democratic filibuster.
The measure would prohibit government penalties against business owners and individuals who cite a "sincere religious belief" while declining to provide services involving "expressional or artistic creation" for same-sex weddings.
It also would shield clergy and worship places that decline to participate in such weddings.
Debate began Monday afternoon. Republicans used a rare procedural move Wednesday to force a vote and end what has been the longest continuous debate in recent Missouri history.
The measure needs a second vote of approval to move to the House.
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7:15 a.m.
In an apparent effort to force a vote and end a filibuster, the Republican sponsor of a Missouri religious objections proposal has distributed a new version of a measure that would allow protections if businesses deny services related to same-sex marriage.
The revised proposal was released Wednesday after a more than 30-hour Democratic filibuster that started Monday.
The measure would prohibit government penalties against business owners and individuals who cite a "sincere religious belief" while declining to provide services involving "expressional or artistic creation" for same-sex weddings.
The proposed new version of the measure specifies that businesses are protected if services are denied for a wedding or close before or after a reception. It also cites florists and photographers as examples.
The measure also would shield clergy and worship places that decline to participate in such weddings.
Senators haven't voted on the new proposal.
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Missouri religious protection measure is SJR 39.
Online:
Senate: http://www.senate.mo.gov
https://www.foxnews.com/us/the-latest-missouri-religious-exemption-measure-advances