MN SF2158

Religious entities, employees, clergy, and volunteers are exempt from providing services, accommodations, goods, or facilities related to marriage solemnization, formation, or celebration if doing so violates sincerely held religious beliefs that marriage is only the union of one man and one woman.

Exemption does not permit religiously affiliated health care providers to refuse treating marriages recognized as valid in Minnesota for purposes of spousal visitation rights or health care decision-making.

Individuals, sole proprietorships, and small businesses (20 or fewer employees) may refuse services that assist or promote marriage if it violates sincerely held religious beliefs, unless a party to the marriage would face substantial hardship in obtaining similar services elsewhere (no providers within 30 miles or insufficient time before the marriage).

Government employees or officials may refuse to provide services assisting marriage solemnization if it violates sincerely held religious beliefs, unless another employee can promptly provide the service without delay.

Protections create immunity from civil or criminal causes of action, human rights complaints, and state or political subdivision penalties, including denial of tax exemptions, governmental contracts, grants, or licenses.