Text of MO HB 2752 (2020)

Allows a person authorized to solemnize marriages to refuse to solemnize a marriage which is contrary to the religious beliefs or sincerely held moral convictions of such person.

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As introduced

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SECOND REGULAR SESSION HOUSE BILL NO. 2752 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE POGUE. 5743H.01I DANA RADEMAN MILLER, Chief Clerk AN ACT To repeal section 451.100, RSMo, and to enact in lieu thereof one new section relating to persons authorized to solemnize marriages. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Missouri, as follows: Section A. Section 451.100, RSMo, is repealed and one new section enacted in lieu 2 thereof, to be known as section 451.100, to read as follows: 451.100. 1. Marriages may be solemnized by any clergyman, either active or retired, 2 who is in good standing with any church or synagogue in this state. Marriages may also be 3 solemnized, without compensation, by any judge, including a municipal judge. Marriages may 4 also be solemnized by a religious society, religious institution, or religious organization of this 5 state, according to the regulations and customs of the society, institution or organization, when 6 either party to the marriage to be solemnized is a member of such society, institution or 7 organization. 8 2. Any person authorized to solemnize marriages under subsection 1 of this section 9 may refuse to solemnize a marriage if the solemnization of such marriage is contrary to the 10 religious beliefs or sincerely held moral convictions of such person authorized to solemnize 11 marriages. T EXPLANATION — Matter enclosed in bold-faced brackets [thus] in the above bill is not enacted and is intended to be omitted from the law. Matter in bold-face type in the above bill is proposed language.