Bill > SB478

This bill, known as the "Protection of Religious Freedom in the Sanctity of Marriage Act of 2015," establishes that no individual or religious entity can be compelled by the government to provide services, solemnize marriages, or recognize marriages, domestic partnerships, civil unions, or similar arrangements if doing so conflicts with their sincerely held religious beliefs about sex or gender. It further stipulates that refusing to engage in such activities will not lead to civil lawsuits or penalties from the government, and if an employee of a governmental or nonreligious entity invokes these protections, their employer must ensure the service is still provided by another employee or official without undue hardship. The bill also prohibits any disciplinary action against employees who utilize these religious freedom protections and declares an emergency, making the act effective immediately upon passage and approval.