Caution Urged as Ohio Senate Mulls Pastor Protection Act

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Controversial legislation in Ohio known as the Pastor Protection Act is making its way closer to the governor's desk.

A Senate committee could schedule a vote this week on House Bill 36, which would protect the right of clergy members to refuse to perform weddings that violate their religious beliefs.

The bill's sponsor, Republican Rep. Nino Vitale (R-Urbana), says the bill is meant to protect religious freedom and prevent tension and lawsuits regarding same-sex marriage.

However, Grant Stancliff, communications director for the advocacy group Equality Ohio, says these protections already are established in the law.

Read more: https://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2018/12/03/caution-urged-as-ohio-senate-mulls-pastor-protection-act