Churches, religious organisations and religious persons in Florida may not be compelled to perform same-sex marriages and provide services and accommodations if these violate their religious beliefs under a new state law.
Florida Gov. Rick Scott signed into law on March 10 HB 43 or the Pastor Protection Act that shields religious entities and individuals from any lawsuit if they refuse to administer same-sex weddings.
The law, which takes effect on July 1, provides that "churches or religious organizations, related organizations, or certain individuals may not be required to solemnize any marriage or provide services, accommodations, facilities, goods, or privileges for related purposes if such action would violate a sincerely held religious belief; prohibiting certain legal actions, penalties, or governmental sanctions against such individuals or entities."
Covered under this are churches; religious organisations, corporations, associations and fraternal benefit society; religious schools; integrated auxiliary of a church; individuals employed by a church or religious organisations while acting in the scope of employment; and clergies and ministers.
It said a refusal to solemnise any marriage or provide services, accommodations, facilities, goods, or privileges may not be used as basis for a civil cause of action or criminal lawsuits.
Rep. Scott Plakon, sponsor of HB 43, said most parts of the bill came from a similar Texas law.
"This has been a collaborative effort with diverse — perhaps the most diverse — groups we have seen working together on an issue. And I'm very, very proud of all the people who put hard work on this to get where we are today," Plakon said, as quoted by the Herald Tribune.
Christian Family Coalition executive director Anthony Verdugo said the bill is needed following the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage last June.
"You can't be penalized. You can't have your tax-exempt status pulled ... you can't have grants denied to you. You can't be treated any differently than you are now based on your views on marriage," he said.
Liberty Counsel's Mat Staver said he is "pleased that the Pastor Protection Act is now law in Florida."
"We should pass broad legislation that protects the religious freedom and conscience of all people who refuse to be conscripted into service of the so-called LGBT agenda," he added.
