HB16-1123 Summary

• Exempts clergy members, ministers, and religiously affiliated organizations from public accommodations law requirements to participate in religious or marriage ceremonies that conflict with sincerely held religious beliefs.

• Removes "place of public accommodation" classification for places principally used by religious organizations, organizations supervised or controlled by religious organizations, or organizations with a connection to religious organizations when providing marriage or religious ceremony services.

• Excludes clergy members, ministers, and employees of religious organizations acting within their employment scope from the definition of "person" under public accommodations laws regarding marriage and religious ceremonies.

• Prevents cities and counties from withholding tax-exempt status of churches, synagogues, mosques, or other religious places, and charitable organizations exempt under federal law, if they refuse to solemnize marriages or religious ceremonies that would violate sincerely held religious beliefs.

• Takes effect August 10, 2016, subject to referendum petition; if a referendum is filed, the bill requires voter approval at the November 2016 general election to take effect.