SB0166 Summary

• Adds "certified marriage celebrant" as an authorized person to solemnize marriages in Illinois, defined as a celebrant authorized by a life stance organization to perform marriages.

• Defines "life stance organization" as a nonprofit group promoting comprehensive values and beliefs that is not affiliated with or controlled by any religious institution.

• Prohibits religious denominations, Indian Nations or Tribes, and their clergy from being required to solemnize marriages, and protects them from civil, administrative, or criminal liability for refusal.

• Extends the same protections to life stance organizations and certified marriage celebrants, allowing them to decline solemnizing marriages without legal consequence and prohibiting requirement to provide facilities for ceremonies violating their beliefs.

• Amends the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act to include life stance organizations in religious freedom protections and authorize certified marriage celebrants to officiate civil unions.