HILO, Hawaii – A group of East Hawaii’s spiritual leaders gathered at the Hilo YMCA on Thursday, to discuss their strategic approach to the ongoing special legislative session at the state Capitol, where lawmakers are on the verge of passing a bill that they stand opposed to; the same sex marriage law.
The faith-based leaders also had a message to share with media. Sheldon Lacsina with New Hope Hilo, Hawaii made a statement to the press after conferring with other local church leaders.
A list entilted “Conflicts between Religious Liberty and Same-sex Marriage” was provided to Big Island Video News by local church leaders.
- Individuals of conscience, who run a small business, such as wedding photographers, florists, banquet halls, or making wedding cakes in one’s home, can be sued under public accommodations laws for refusing to offer their services in connection with a same-sex marriage ceremony.
- Religious day care centers, counseling centers, meeting halls, and adoption agencies could be sued under public accommodations laws for refusing to offer their facilities or services to members of a same-sex marriage.
- A church or other religious nonprofit that dismisses an employee for entering into a same-sex marriage can be sued under employment discrimination laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of marital status.
- A religious college, hospital, or social service organization that refuses to provide its employees with same-sex spousal benefits can be denied access to government contracts or grants on the ground that it is engaging in discrimination that contravenes public policy.
- A religious charity or fraternal organization that opposes same-sex marriage can be denied access to government facilities, such as a lease on government property or participation in a government-sponsored employee charitable campaign.
- Doctors, psychologists, social workers, counselors, and other professionals who conscientiously object to same-sex marriage can have their licenses revoked.
- Religious fraternal organizations or other nonprofits that object to same-sex marriage can be denied food service licenses, adoption agency licenses, child care licenses, or liquor licenses on the ground that they are engaged in unlawful discrimination.
- Religious colleges and professional schools can have their accreditation revoked for refusing to recognize the validity of same-sex marriages.
- Church-affiliated organizations can have their tax exempt status stripped because of their conscientious objection to same-sex marriage.
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Allthough most of the action has been on Oahu the last two weeks, there have been sign wavings on Hawaii Island. We covered one held in Hilo before the special session began, organized by folks in support of SB1.
Marriage equality debate heats up in Hawaii – Oct. 2013
