Texas Pastor Protection Act (SB 2065)

SB 2065 prohibits the state from requiring clergy or any other staff member of a religious organization 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 organization or individual to violate a sincerely held religious belief.”

Any such refusal may not form the basis for a civil or criminal cause of action or any other action by the state.

The First Amendment already covers the right of religious organizations to refuse to perform marriages that conflict with their religious beliefs. This law takes it a step further by denying to provide services and the use of facilities for marriage ceremonies.

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