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Pastor Protection Legislation Headed for House Floor

February 4th, 2016 by Mike Vasilinda

Pastors and their churches could not be sued for refusing to perform same sex marriages under legislation that moved forward today in the State Capitol. As Mike Vasilinda tells us, opponents say it creates a smoke screen for bigotry.

Churches wouldn’t lose their tax exempt status and pastors couldn’t be sued for refusing to perform same sex marriages under the so called pastor protection act sponsored by Rep. Scott Plakon (R-Altamonte Springs)

“This is a conscious protection bill” says Plakon.

The idea generated a firestorm of emotion as nearly 40 pastors of all stripes spoke out.

Including Pastor D. Donaldson of Miami “Family first starts with a man and a woman. I don’t see it any other way. I will not do it, and I will not let you handcuff me for something I’m doing right for god.”

Pastor Harold Thompson of the United Methodist Church of Miami took the other side.

“It’s divisive. It will rip apart how we understand our faith” Thompson told lawmakers.

Nearly all conceded they are already protected by the first amendment’s freedom of religion clause.

”I don’t need it and I don’t want it” said Pastor Claire Washington.

But the Christian Family coalition pointed to two lawsuits in other states the embroiled small churches in litigation. Anthony Verdugo is the organizations Executive Director.

“Yes, we have cases in the United States where ministers have been sued, that’s why we need it.”

Attempts to weaken the legislation were unsuccessful. Rep. Dave Kerner was blunt in his opposition. “It’s offensive to me” said Kerner.

Even supporters like Rep. Matt Hudson (R-Naples) said they hoped the protections were never needed, but. “You never hope you’re going to need your air bag, right? But frankly, you’d like to have one just in case.”

Supporters called the positive vote a victory.

The legislation’s next stop, a vote by the full house.

A Senate companion still has two more hearings before it could come up for a vote.

In addition to the US Constitution, the Florida constitution protects the freedom of religion.