On March 10, Governor Rick Scott signed a bill intended to protect churches, religious organizations, clergy, and certain other organizations from liability for refusing to perform a marriage when doing so “would cause the individual or entity to violate a sincerely held religious belief of the individual or entity.”
The bill provides that a church, a religious organization, religious corporation or association. religious school or educational institution, an individual employed by a church or religious organization while acting in the scope of that employment, a clergy member, or a minister may not be required to solemnize any marriage or provide services, facilities or goods for related purposes if such action would violate sincerely held religious beliefs.
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As always, we strongly recommend that schools evaluate policy and procedure where applicable. “Sincerely held religious belief of the individual or entity” must be well documented and available for inspection–a physical document–not just personal thoughts. For guidance on the issue, please see guidance documents available in the member portal.
[button size=”large” type=”normal” style=”square” color=”primary” icon=”” new_window=”yes” link=”http://members.lcs.education/”]Member Portal[/button]