The United States Senate has passed legislation that would codify federal legal protections for same-sex marriage, despite religious liberty concerns voiced by many. It will threaten Christians who object to participating in LGBT ceremonies, and create a bonanza for trial lawyers to sue believers in natural marriage. It passed with the assistance of 12 Republicans, including NC Senators Richard Burr and Tom Tillis.
H.R. 8404, labeled the “Respect for Marriage” Act by supporters and the “Disrespect for Marriage” act by critics, would force all 50 states to recognize any marriage legally allowed in any other state and formally repeal the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).
It would also create a private right of action, allowing anyone who feels discriminated against to sue any individual or business who refuses to participate in such a ceremony, even if motivated by faith-based objections.
“The U.S. Senate is making a mockery of marriage as it tramples on a foundational right — religious freedom of the individual,” said Family Research Council President Tony Perkins shortly after the vote. “ Its provisions are “likely to culminate in the removal of tax-exempt status from religious institutions” that uphold traditional sexual morality.”
The bill also offers no protections for individual believers, such as florist Barronelle Stutzman and Masterpiece Cakeshop owner Jack Phillips, whose faith does not allow them to participate in same-sex ceremonies. “As our society becomes more secular, people are accepting the idea that our religious liberties extend no further than the four corners of the church or the synagogue, and that simply isn’t true,” Lee told Perkins.
The bill would let anyone who felt discriminated against sue the believer, possibly out of business — forcing religious adherents to choose between obeying the immemorial teachings of their religion or maintaining their livelihood.
The Religious Freedom Institute warned this week that the bill “would deal a devastating blow to religious freedom in America.”