Louisiana Pastor Protection Act (HB 597)

HB 597 would provide legal protections for certain organizations and their employees who refuse to provide “services, accommodations, facilities, goods or privileges for a purpose related to the solemnization, formation, or celebration of any marriage” they disagree with.

The bill would protect any church or faith under state or federal tax law or regulation, or a religious organization that meets the qualifications of the United States Internal Revenue Code, Section 501(c)(3), a member of the clergy of a recognized church, faith, or religious organization, or an individual employed by a legally recognized church, faith, or religious organization from refusing to participate in any solemnization, formation, or celebration of a marriage, if the actions would be contrary to church doctrine, practice, or would violate the religious beliefs and principles of the clergy, church, or religious organization.

The bill would not apply to the marriage of a heterosexual interracial couple.

Priests, pastors, rabbis, and other clergy are already protected under the First Amendment, as well as Louisiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 2010.

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