Supporters of the LGBT community are speaking out against House Bill 1523, which claims to protect individuals from discrimination, who act on religious beliefs that marriage is between one man and one woman. MPB's Maura Moed reports.
House Bill 1523 would allow circuit clerks or judges to refuse marriage licenses or to perform marriage ceremonies for gay couples.
Former pastor, Rob Hill, the state director of the Human Rights Campaign is upset the bill has already passed the house. He says it uses religion to violate people's civil rights.
"Public employees need to do their jobs, and so do agencies and individuals accepting money from the state to serve the public interest. Out hope is that this bill will die in committee and won't see the light of day," says Hill.
The bill would also let businesses refuse services for same-sex weddings.
Rene' Adams owns a catering business that services same-sex couples. She says it's just not right.
"Why turn away business? You look at someone for who they are, what they stand for, and how they are for mankind. The government is not supposed to tell anybody who they should and shouldn't like," Adams says.
Republican state representative Andy Gipson of Braxton is also a pastor. He voted for the bill, and says it's not meant to harm anyone.
"It is strictly an anti-discriminatory bill for people of faith who believe these fundamental things about marriage and human relations. Someone else can then perform the ceremony or issue the license, or whatever the case may be," says Gipson.
The House passed the measure 80 to 39. Gipson says the bill wouldn't undo last year's U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.
