The Florida Senate passed a bill to protect churches from lawsuits in case they decline any wedding. The bill was passed on to Governor Rich Scott for signature, which is expected to be made into a law from July 1, according to media reports.
The Pastor Protection Act will protect churches from being sued or losing tax-exempt status for choosing to refuse to preside over any marriage ceremony.
"A definition of marriage that many held sacred and part of their religious belief was turned upside down," said Senator Aaron Bean (R-Fernandina Beach). "The entire marriage world turned upside down. Some celebrated and some are still scratching their heads, but that's now the law of the land. So, that's why we're here."
According to the bill, the churches could decline same-sex weddings and receptions from being held at their premises.
The bill was passed in the Senate with 23-15 votes, and the day before, it secured a majority in the House with 82-37 votes.
Bean said that the bill was like taking a "flu shot," to prevent any unforeseen legal standoffs in future.
"Have you ever heard of a Senator or a Representative that hopes their bill is never used or tested? I'm the first. Hopefully no one will ever challenge somebody in the practice of their religion. That will be a sad day in our nation, in our state ... Some say that's where our nation is headed," he said.
Some opponents of the bill argue that the bill is unnecessary and such protections are already granted to churches. Other opponents say that the broad language of the bill text could be used as an instrument for racial discrimination, if the churches decline inter-racial marriages.
"It might turn the clock back. Some institution in its interpretation of this law can say, 'It's against our religious belief to marry a black woman and a white man,'" Senator Arthenia Joyner (D-Tampa) was quoted as saying by the Miami Herald.
Executive director of the Christian Family Coalition Anthony Verdugo said that the bill protects churches.
"People of faith, houses of worship and clergy need to be protected against discrimination," he told the Miami Herald.
