South Carolina Bill Regarding Marriage Licenses (S 116)

S 116 would allow government officials to refuse to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples because of their religious beliefs.

The bill states that no person employed by a judge of probate or clerk of court or any other officer authorized by law to issue a marriage license shall be:

• required to take any action related to the issuance of a marriage license to a same sex couple, if he advises the judge of probate or clerk of court in writing that he objects to taking such action based upon a sincerely held religious belief;
• liable to any person for damages allegedly arising from such refusal; or
• dismissed, suspended, demoted, or otherwise disciplined or discriminated against by the judge of probate or the clerk of court by which he is employed.

The bill provides for civil action for damages or reinstatement of employment, or both, if the employment of the individual that refused to take action was altered or terminated in violation of this provision.

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