After more than an hour of debate and public testimony, the Florida House Judiciary committee voted to advance the so-called “Pastor Protection Act,” which purports to protect clergy from having to perform same-sex weddings.
Rep. Jose Javier Rodriguez, D-Miami, kicked off the Feb. 4 discussion by proposing and amendment that would narrow the scope of the bill, clarifying what individuals and groups would be protected, and attempting to remove language about public services and accommodations, as it is illegal to discriminate against protected groups when offering public services and accommodations.
Rodriguez’s amendment aimed to “narrow the protections in the bill to the solemnization of marriage,” he said.
It didn’t go well. Several committee members bristled at the idea of narrowing the bill.
“I view this amendment as downright hostile,” said Rep. Julio Gonzalez, R-Venice.
Rodriguez withdrew his amendment and then public comment began. First, a stream of pastors and clergy clearly stated to the committee that the protections in the bill would be divisive and are unwanted.
“It is divisive,” said a pastor from Miami. “What it will do is create discrimination and classism.”
Next, a second, smaller parade of clergy argued in favor of the bill.
After a few minutes of debate among the committee, the majority voted in favor of the bill.
