MO HJR97

Proposes adding Section 36 to Article I of the Missouri Constitution, to be submitted to voters at the November 2016 general election or a special election called by the governor

Prohibits the state from penalizing religious organizations, clergy, houses of worship, or individuals who decline to perform, solemnize, facilitate, or participate in same-sex marriages or provide expressive/artistic goods and services for such ceremonies based on sincere religious beliefs

Defines "penalty" broadly to include adverse tax treatment, denial of tax exemptions, withholding accreditation/licenses/contracts/grants, denial of entitlements or health care benefits, altering custody or adoption decisions, and allowing administrative charges or civil claims

Extends protections to "closely held commercial entities" owned by natural persons, and covers religious schools, hospitals, charities, social service providers, and crisis pregnancy centers

Preserves the state's ability to issue marriage licenses and provide marital benefits, and explicitly prohibits hospitals, health care facilities, and hospices from refusing spousal visitation or surrogate health care decision-making rights