Relating to the protection of religious beliefs and moral convictions regarding marriage.
Impact
If enacted, SB893 would significantly impact state laws that govern governmental actions against individuals based on their beliefs. The bill allows individuals to assert claims in judicial or administrative proceedings for any adverse actions taken against them because of their religious beliefs regarding marriage. It also includes provisions for compensatory damages, injunctive relief, and a waiver of sovereign immunity for governmental entities, thereby enhancing the legal recourse available for affected individuals.
Summary
SB893 aims to provide protection for individuals' religious beliefs and moral convictions, particularly regarding the definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman. The bill prohibits governmental entities from taking adverse actions against individuals based on their sincere religious beliefs related to marriage. This encompasses various forms of discrimination related to employment, grants, contracts, and other benefits provided by governmental agencies.
Contention
The bill has raised concerns among various advocacy groups and lawmakers who view it as a potential license for discrimination, particularly against LGBTQ+ individuals. Critics argue that the bill could pave the way for discriminatory practices under the guise of protecting religious beliefs, thus undermining the principle of equality and potentially leading to negative social ramifications. Proponents, on the other hand, assert that it is necessary to safeguard individual rights to express and act according to their beliefs without fear of governmental repercussions.
Relating to public education, including parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials and the establishment of an education savings account program.
Relating to public education, including parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials and the establishment of an education savings account program.
Relating to protection of persons from participation in a health care service for reasons of conscience; providing a civil remedy; authorizing disciplinary action.
Relating to certain statutory changes to reflect and address same-sex marriages and parenting relationships and to the removal of provisions regarding the criminality or unacceptability of homosexual conduct.
Relating to certain statutory changes to reflect and address same-sex marriages and parenting relationships and to the removal of provisions regarding the criminality or unacceptability of homosexual conduct.