DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 597 Engrossed 2016 Regular Session Mike Johnson
Abstract: Provides for the rights of religious organizations and its employees and clergy to refuse
participation in certain marriages.
Present law protects the free exercise of religion.
Proposed law retains present law and creates the Pastor Protection Act.
Proposed law provides that a religious organization, an organization supervised or controlled by a
religious organization, an individual employee of a religious organization, or a clergy or minister
may not be required to solemnize or provide services, accommodations, facilities, goods, or
privileges for a purpose related to the solemnization, formation, or celebration of any marriage if
doing so would cause the organization or individual to violate a sincerely held religious belief.
Provides that a refusal pursuant to proposed law shall not serve as the basis for a civil, criminal, or
other punitive action by the state or a political subdivision.
(Adds R.S. 13:5243-5245)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Civil Law and Procedure to the
original bill:
1. Removes the language "in connection with" such that the bill applies to organizations
that are "supervised or controlled by" religious organizations but not to organizations that
are "in connection with" religious organizations.