Tennessee Pastor Protection Act (HB 2375)

HB 2375 would amend the Tennessee Religious Freedom Restoration Act by specifying that no minister, clergy member, pastor, religious organization, organization supervised or controlled by or in connection with a religious organization, or individual employed by a religious organization, while acting in the scope of that employment, will be required to solemnize any marriage or provide services, accommodations, facilities, goods, or privileges for a purpose related to the solemnization, formation, or celebration of any marriage if the action would cause the individual or organization to violate a sincerely held religious belief.

This bill further specifies that the refusal to provide the services listed above will not be the basis for a civil cause of action, criminal prosecution, or any other action by this state or a political subdivision of this state to penalize or withhold benefits or privileges, including tax exemptions or governmental contracts, grants, or licenses, from any protected individual or organization.

The First Amendment already covers the right of religious organizations to refuse to perform marriages that conflict with their religious beliefs. This bill takes it a step further by denying services, accommodations, facilities, goods, or privileges for marriage ceremonies.

STATUS

Companion bill to SB 2329.

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