A court in Hawaii has refused to exempt churches from being forced to allow their property to be used for civil union ceremonies.
The Emmanuel Temple and the Lighthouse Outreach Center Assembly of God requested a restraining order to block a law that permits same-sex couples to enter civil unions. It exempts clergy from performing the ceremonies, which are the equivalent of marriage, but there is no provision to protect church property. They argued that they would face civil penalties and fines if they refused to rent their property for same-sex civil unions, but U.S. District Judge Michael Seabright denied the request.
Matt Barber of Liberty Counsel Action tells OneNewsNow that creates a clear conflict between government and the free exercise of religion.
Matt Barber"There is no exemption for religious institutions, for churches, houses of worship from being subject to fines and to sanctions as provided in the legislation for refusing to allow their houses of worship to be desecrated through the use of a so-called 'civil union' ceremony," he explains.
First Amendment Attacks: Churches & Gay Weddings in Hawaii
Federal District Judge Forces Hawaii Churches to Accommodate Same-Sex Civil Unions
January 5, 2012 at 4:30 pm
A court in Hawaii has refused to exempt churches from being forced to allow their property to be used for civil union ceremonies.
The Emmanuel Temple and the Lighthouse Outreach Center Assembly of God requested a restraining order to block a law that permits same-sex couples to enter civil unions. It exempts clergy from performing the ceremonies, which are the equivalent of marriage, but there is no provision to protect church property. They argued that they would face civil penalties and fines if they refused to rent their property for same-sex civil unions, but U.S. District Judge Michael Seabright denied the request.
Matt Barber of Liberty Counsel Action tells OneNewsNow that creates a clear conflict between government and the free exercise of religion.
Matt Barber"There is no exemption for religious institutions, for churches, houses of worship from being subject to fines and to sanctions as provided in the legislation for refusing to allow their houses of worship to be desecrated through the use of a so-called 'civil union' ceremony," he explains.
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Hawaii Civil Unions law that requires churches to accomodate same-sex ceremonies:
https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol12_Ch0501-0588/HRS0572B/HRS_0572B-0009_0005.htm
[§572B-9.5] Religious organizations and facilities; liability exemption under certain circumstances. [Section retroactive to January 1, 2012. L 2012, c 267 §2012] (a) A religious organization shall not be required to make a religious facility owned or leased by the religious organization available for solemnization of a civil union; provided that:
(1) The religious facility is regularly used by the religious organization for its religious purposes;
(2) For solemnization of marriages pursuant to chapter 572, the religious organization restricts use of the religious facility to its members; and
(3) The religious organization does not operate the religious facility as a for profit business.
(b) A religious organization that refuses to make a religious facility available for solemnization of a civil union under subsection (a) shall not be subject to any fine, penalty, or civil liability for the refusal.
(c) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to exempt the owner or operator of any religious facility from the requirements of chapter 489 if the religious facility is a place of public accommodation as defined in section 489-2. [L 2012, c 267, pt of §3]
A court in Hawaii has refused to exempt churches from being forced to allow their property to be used for civil union ceremonies.
The Emmanuel Temple and the Lighthouse Outreach Center Assembly of God requested a restraining order to block a law that permits same-sex couples to enter civil unions. It exempts clergy from performing the ceremonies, which are the equivalent of marriage, but there is no provision to protect church property. They argued that they would face civil penalties and fines if they refused to rent their property for same-sex civil unions, but U.S. District Judge Michael Seabright denied the request.
Matt Barber of Liberty Counsel Action tells OneNewsNow that creates a clear conflict between government and the free exercise of religion.
Matt Barber"There is no exemption for religious institutions, for churches, houses of worship from being subject to fines and to sanctions as provided in the legislation for refusing to allow their houses of worship to be desecrated through the use of a so-called 'civil union' ceremony," he explains.
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