"Holy
Toledo!" Ohio lawmaker takes a controversial stand
Understanding the threat in Ohio for aggression against
pastors and religious organizations following the High Court's same-sex
"marriage" decision, State Representative Nino Vitale introduced HB
286, known as the Ohio Pastor Protection Act.
The bill specifies that no ordained or licensed minister and
no religious society is required to solemnize a marriage or allow property to
be used to host a marriage ceremony if the marriage does not conform to the
minister's or society's sincerely held religious beliefs.
While ministers, churches, and religious societies already
have a constitutional right to perform or host only those marriage ceremonies that
conform to their religious beliefs, HB 286 is necessary because local cities
and counties have passed their own "non-discrimination" ordinances,
which clouds the issue for many people - as we see unfolding in many states.
The bill provides clarity in a statute so that the common person does not have
to review voluminous court
opinions.
The Ohio Pastor Protection Act is a positive step toward
upholding the constitutional rights of pastors and religious organizations.
This law sets forth clearly the religious liberty protections of clergy and churches
regarding the solemnizing of marriage.
Liberty Counsel offered to defend HB 286. The bill is facing
an uphill battle because of tremendous backlash from LGBTQ operatives - and
will assuredly be challenged in court, if passed.
Liberty Counsel's legal team crafted a letter to
Representative Vitale commending him for his leadership and to offer our
support of the legislation. As we state in the letter...
"Simply put, pastors, churches, and religious
institutions must remain free to set forth God's truth on issues involving
sexuality, and must remain free to permit the use of their property consistent
with their religious beliefs."
If HB 286 is signed into law, Liberty Counsel would defend
it on a pro bono basis, at no charge to the taxpayers, should it be subjected
to legal challenge."
Liberty Counsel's involvement to advance and protect HB 286
is one of over 20 of our state-by-state initiatives. We are on the front lines
of battle to stop dangerous "bathroom bills" from being enacted, and
we are defending principled lawmakers who face the wrath of pro-LGBTQ activist
organizations.
It is our prayer warriors and financial supporters who
empower us to counter unnecessary and dangerous laws being enacted to appease a
tiny minority with loud voices, deep pockets, and a fanatical agenda.
If you are an Ohio resident, please contact your local
representative and encourage them to pass HB 286. If they
tell you that pastors and religious organizations are already protected under
the law, remind them that this bill ushers in more clarity in your state because
of locally enacted "non-discrimination" laws, which cloud the issue.
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