HB 56 Summary

• Enacts the Freedom of Religion in Marriage Protection Act by amending Section 30-1-7 of the Alabama Code regarding persons authorized to solemnize marriages.

• Specifies that any person authorized to solemnize marriages under Alabama law is not required to solemnize the marriage of any person.

• Provides that licensed ministers, priests, rabbis, and similar officials of churches, synagogues, and religious organizations are not required to solemnize or recognize any marriage and are immune from civil claims or criminal prosecution for refusing to do so.

• Protects religious organizations from state and local government penalties, benefit withholding, or contract refusal based on refusal to solemnize or recognize a marriage, and exempts them from providing facilities or services related to marriage recognition or celebration.

• Becomes effective upon passage and approval by the Governor.