Same Sex Marriage Bill Lacks Religious Protection

ACTION ALERT!!
Same-sex marriage bill (S.B. 899) Fails to Protect Religious Freedom The Judiciary Committee will soon be voting on Senate Bill 899 concerning same-sex marriage. This legislation places into state statutes the State Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage in our state.

You are receiving this alert because a member of the Judiciary Committee is your elected State Senator or Representative. Please contact them and urge them to support amending the bill to protect religious organizations and individuals whose religious beliefs do not support same-sex marriage. Click on the link below to send them an email.

At a public hearing on March 6th, the Connecticut Catholic Conference testified that the bill must be amended to protect those who object to participating, in any manner, with a same-sex marriage ceremony, such as Justices of the Peace or vendors. (Read the testimony)

Across the country people have been charged with discrimination for refusing to participate in civil unions or commitment ceremonies. Religiously affiliated organizations, such as Catholic Charities in Boston, have also suffered the consequences of not recognizing same-sex marriage. Seante Bill 899 currently only states that clergy cannot be forced to perform same-sex marriages. There are no protections for any other people of faith or faith based organizations. Please read the testimony mentioned above and notify your State Senator or Representative to amend S.B. 899 so it respects the concept of religious freedom long held as an essential liberty in our society. Same-sex marriage may now be a civil right in our state. Religious freedom is an even older and a more basic civil right.

Click on the link below to send them an email.

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http://www.votervoice.net/link/target/ctcc30117715.aspx

***This message comes from: the Connecticut Catholic Conference***

Link: http://www.ctcatholic.org/