Text of HI SB 1447 (2011)

THE SENATE S.B. NO. 1447 TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2011 STATE OF HAWAII A BILL FOR AN ACT relating to refusal to provide services or accommodations for the solemnization or celebration of same-sex marriages, civil unions, and other same-sex unions on religious grounds. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII: SECTION 1. Chapter 572, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows: "§572- Refusal to provide services or accommodations related to the solemnization or celebration of same-sex marriages, civil unions, or other same-sex unions on religious grounds. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, a religious institution shall not be required to provide benefits to an individual or individuals if the request for the benefits is related to the solemnization or celebration of a same-sex marriage, civil union, or other same-sex union and the solemnization or celebration is in violation of the beliefs or faith of the religious institution. Any refusal to provide the benefits in accordance with this section shall not create any civil claim or cause of action, or result in any state action to penalize or withhold benefits from the religious institution. (b) For purposes of this section: "Benefits" means services, accommodations, benefits, advantages, facilities, goods, or privileges. "Religious institution" means a religious institution or organization or a religious or charitable organization that is operated, supervised, or controlled by a religious institution or organization." SECTION 2. If an Act is enacted during the 2011 legislative session that amends the Hawaii Revised Statutes by adding a new chapter relating to civil unions, then the revisor is authorized to insert the new section established under section 1 of this Act into the new chapter in lieu of adding the new section to chapter 572, Hawaii Revised Statutes. SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored. SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval. INTRODUCED BY: _____________________________ Report Title: Refusal to Provide Benefits; Solemnization or Celebration of Same-Sex Marriages; Civil Unions; Same-Sex Unions on Religious Grounds Description: Exempts from liability a religious institution or religious or charitable organization operated, supervised, or controlled by a religious institution, that refuses to provide services or accommodations relating to the solemnization or celebration of a same-sex marriage, civil union, or other same-sex union on religious grounds. The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.