When asked if House Bill 36 would be good or bad for Ohio’s reputation and business, Gov. John Kasich said on Wednesday: “If they want to pass something that says my minister doesn’t have to perform a marriage, I’m okay with that. And I think the constitution of the state already provides that…I’d have to see what the bill does but I don’t think it’s going to be some sweeping Indiana or North Carolina bill, is my understanding.”
Credit: DaytonDailyNews
The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio, Equality Ohio, TransOhio and Human Rights Campaign issued statements that describe House Bill 36 as a solution in search for a problem.
The groups said clergy in Ohio aren’t being forced to perform same sex marriages nor are they facing lawsuits when they decline to do so.
The bill was introduced Tuesday by state Rep. Nino Vitale, R-Urbana, one of the most politically conservative members of the Ohio House. On Wednesday, a dozen proponents testified in favor of the bill.
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“It protects pastors and church property from being forced to perform wedding ceremonies, which are against their religious beliefs. There is really nothing more to it than this. My reason for writing this bill is to stop a litigation war in Ohio,” Vitale said in written testimony.
Faith Baptist Church Senior Pastor Paul Norton said in written testimony that he wants his community “to be able to enjoy the freedom of speech and practice of religion without fear of legal retribution.”
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ACLU of Ohio Policy Manager Lisa Wurm said in a written statement: “House Bill 36 opens a Pandora’s box of problems that could significantly roll back marriage equality in Ohio. It may allow businesses or other officials to discriminate against same-sex couples. The U.S. Supreme Court was clear that people should not be treated unfairly because of who they love, yet politicians continue to try and undermine this basic right.”
In 2015, protests erupted in Indiana over passage of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. And there were protests last year over North Carolina’s “bathroom bill” that mandates individuals use public restrooms that match the sex on their birth certificates — an effort to block transgendered individuals from using different bathrooms.
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