Bill Protecting Officiant’s Right To Refuse To Solemnize A Marriage Ceremony For Any Reason Heads To House Floor
Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov
The Tennessee Conservative [By Kelly M. Jackson] –
This week, the House Civil Justice Committee voted on a bill that aims to empower any officiant with the ability to refuse to solemnize any marriage ceremony, for any reason, without fear of any retaliation in the form of civil litigation.
Sponsored by House Representative Monty Fritts (R-D32-Kingston) HB0878 As introduced, states that a person is not required to solemnize a marriage if the person has an objection to solemnizing the marriage based on the person’s conscience or religious beliefs. – Amends TCA Title 4; Title 29 and Title 36.
During the hearing there was debate that caused a change to the language to occur, the portion that refers to an objection to solemnizing the marriage based on “the person’s conscience or religious beliefs.”
The concern sprang from testimony by local Pastor Greg Bullard, who testified that when he was informed of the bill, he made a call to the insurance agent that provides liability coverage for his church.
He said he was told that as a church, he would have to amend their bylaws and their statement of faith, making who they would and would not marry in their church clear, so they could continue to receive coverage under their current policy. He added that there would have to be additional coverage added, incurring an added yearly cost of $300 in premiums.
Pastor Bullard then requested not fix something that isn’t broken, since the law does not articulate a duty for anyone who is legally able to conduct a marriage ceremony to do so.
Essentially, the objection being inspired specifically due to religious objections could cause an issue with liability for those religious organizations that could be sued if they choose to opt out of performing a ceremony for that reason.
Representative Fritts responded in closing remarks that he felt Pastor Bullard helped to make his argument for him, underscoring the reasons this bill is needed.
Fritts said “I do think that the Pastor made the argument for why we need this. Because if his insurance company is suggesting that he is going to be sued or at a greater liability, if he declines a ceremony for someone I think that fully supports our case for making sure this is codified in the great state of Tennessee”.
In a follow up conversation with representative Fritts after the hearing, he told The Tennessee Conservative that he feels this is a move that is not so much defense as it is offence. It is “pro-active vs reactive”.
HB0878 has been placed on the House’s regular calendar for a vote on March 6th. If you wish to express support for this legislation, you can find your representative’s contact information HERE.
If the bill makes it through the rest of the legislative process, it will take immediate effect, after being signed into law by Governor Lee.
About the Author: Kelly Jackson is a recent escapee from corporate America, and a California refugee to Tennessee. Christ follower, Wife and Mom of three amazing teenagers. She has a BA in Comm from Point Loma Nazarene University, and has a background in law enforcement and human resources. Since the summer of 2020, she has spent any and all free time in the trenches with local grassroots orgs, including Mom’s for Liberty Williamson County and Tennessee Stands as a core member. Outspoken advocate for parents rights, medical freedom, and individual liberty. Kelly can be reached at kelly@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
