Tennessee lawmakers draft bill to protect clergy from performing same-sex marriages

Protestor Holds Bible — (Image credit: Getty Images)

State Reps. Bryan Terry (R) and Andy Holt (R) announced Friday that they are drafting a "Tennessee Pastor Protection Act," which is intended to shield clergy from being forced to perform same-sex marriages. Earlier Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.

"It comes as no surprise that the Supreme Court ruled in favor of same-sex marriage," Terry said in a news release. "I have had multiple constituents concerned with how the ruling may impact their church and their religious beliefs. If the issue is truly about equality of civil liberties and benefits, then this ruling should have minimal legal impact on churches."

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Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.