Text of VA SB 41 (2016)

16101522D SENATE BILL NO. 41 Offered January 13, 2016 Prefiled December 15, 2015 A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 57-2.03, relating to religious freedom; solemnization of marriage. ---------- Patron-- Carrico ---------- Referred to Committee on General Laws and Technology ---------- Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia: 1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 57-2.03 as follows: §57-2.03. Religious freedom; solemnization of marriage. A. No person authorized to perform a marriage ceremony pursuant to Chapter 2 (§20-13 et seq.) of Title 20 shall be required to solemnize any marriage, and no religious organization, organization supervised or controlled by or operated in connection with a religious organization, individual employed by a religious organization while acting in the scope of his employment, or clergy member or minister shall be required to provide services, accommodations, facilities, goods, or privileges for a purpose related to the solemnization of any marriage if the action would cause the individual or organization to violate a sincerely held religious belief. B. A refusal to solemnize a marriage or provide services, accommodations, facilities, goods, or privileges under subsection A shall not give rise to civil or criminal liability or any other action by the Commonwealth or a political subdivision to penalize or withhold benefits or privileges, including tax exemptions or governmental contracts, grants, or licenses, from any individual or organization listed in subsection A.