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Mitch PerryMarch 21, 2016

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After the June 2015 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in the Obergefell v. Hodges case that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, more than 20 state legislatures reacted by passing religious freedom laws to protect clergy. This month, Florida became the latest state to do so after Gov. Rick Scott signed the Pastor Protection Act. The new law shields religious entities […]

Jim RosicaMarch 3, 2016

The Republican-controlled Florida Legislature has passed a bill that would legally shield clergy members who refuse to perform gay marriages. The House bill (HB 43) was OK’d Thursday by the Senate on a 23-15 vote, despite Democrats saying the measure isn’t needed because clergy already are protected by the First Amendment. It next needs to be signed […]

Jim RosicaMarch 1, 2016

The Florida House of Representatives on Tuesday began its consideration of legislation to ensure clergy members, ministers and other “religious organization” employees could legally refuse to perform gay marriages. The bill (HB 43), which has been called the “Pastor Protection Act,” is being billed as a “conscience protection” measure by its sponsor, state Rep. Scott Plakon. The […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 17, 2016

In the wake of last year’s landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage, Republicans in the Florida Legislature this year are backing a “Pastor Protection Act.” The bill would prevent clergy members from being forced to perform marriage ceremonies contrary to their principles. On Wednesday, the Senate Rules Committee voted on a straight, 7-3 […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 4, 2016

Clergy members, ministers and other “religious organization” employees could legally refuse to perform gay marriages under legislation that will be considered by the full House of Representatives. The measure, which some call a “Pastor Protection Act” (HB 43), was OK’d 12-5 by the Judiciary Committee on Thursday, its final review panel. The bill, sponsored by Republican […]

Staff ReportsJanuary 27, 2016

State lawmakers on Wednesday OK’d two bills aimed at improving literacy rates. Among other things, the House measure (HB 7021) requires teachers who teach retained third graders to hold a reading certificate and calls on the Department of Education to review certification. Included in the Senate proposal (SB 1068) are provisions that call on districts […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 27, 2016

Observers of the state Legislature in Tallahassee will recall the backlash that ensued after the Florida House passed a measure last year that effectively codified existing law that same-sex couples could adopt. The bill, sponsored by Miami Beach Democrat Dave Richardson, ultimately made it through the Senate, but not before there was another measure sponsored […]

Frank TorresAugust 11, 2015

State Rep. Scott Plakon is seeking to protect religious organizations from legal action for refusing to perform ceremonies that “violate sincerely held religious beliefs.” On Tuesday, Plankton filed House Bill 43 for the 2016 Regular Session. Known as the “Pastor Protection Act,” it would keep churches and related organizations from being forced to carry out […]

Staff ReportsMarch 2, 2016

The Florida House voted 82-37 to approve an amended version of a bill (HB 43) that protects clergy members and pastors who refuse to perform gay marriage. The bill was amended Tuesday and some gay rights organizations have dropped their opposition to it. Carlos Guillermo Smith, governmental affairs manager for Equality Florida, said in a […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 2, 2016

The Florida House voted 82-37 to approve a bill that allows members of the clergy to refuse to perform gay marriages. The passage came after more than an hour of passionate debate. Opponents questioned why the bill (HB 43) was needed, with some calling it an insult to the state’s gay community. “This bill is […]

Pastor Protection Act

Florida’s Pastor Protection Act doesn’t go as far as Georgia’s — and that’s a good thing for NFL fans

Legislature passes “Pastor Protection Act” as gay marriage shield

House takes up Pastor Protection Act

Contentious “Pastor Protection Act” now moves to Senate floor

“Pastor protection act” continues moving in Legislature

Capitol reax: Literacy initiatives, the Pastor Protection Act, Uber

Mitch Perry Report for 1.27.16 – “Pastor Protection Act” moves through state Senate

Scott Plakon files “Pastor Protection Act” to shield churches from “violating beliefs”

Capitol Reax: “Pastor Protection” act, Miami-Dade Infectious Disease Elimination Act

Florida House votes 82-37 to approve “Pastor Protection” Act