Virginia Senate Advances Bill Prohibiting Punishment of Those Who Believe in Biblical Marriage

By Heather Clark
Christian News

Lawmakers in Virginia have passed a bill that prohibits the government from punishing those who believe in biblical marriage and conduct their public lives in accordance with that conviction.

S.B. 1324 passed the Senate on Tuesday 21-19, and now moves on to the House for consideration. The vote was along party lines.

“No person shall be required to participate in the solemnization of any marriage, or subject to any penalty by the Commonwealth, or its political subdivisions or representatives or agents, notwithstanding any other provision of law, solely on account of such person’s belief, speech, or action in accordance with a sincerely held religious belief or moral conviction that marriage is or should be recognized as the union of one man and one woman,” the legislation reads.

Sen. Charles W. Carrico Sr., R-Grayson, told the Richmond Times-Dispatch that the bill is necessary to protect citizens from being sued simply because their faith prohibits them from being a partaker in others’ sins.

“And not discriminating against them because of that belief, I believe, is important to our Constitution and important to the economy of Virginia,” he said.

Christian News report continues

Blogger's note: 

Constitutional Amendment I
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."

The First Amendment to the Constitution is clear.  "Prohibiting the Free Exercise Thereof" means the freedom to practice and adhere to religious beliefs without government interference or threat of punishment. End of debate.

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