House ‘religious freedom’ ballot issue fails on 50-50 vote [View all]
Source: Helena Independent Record
CHARLES S. JOHNSON IR State Bureau
The Montana House on a tie vote Friday rejected a proposed ballot measure that would have allowed people to cite their religious beliefs to justify disobeying certain laws or actions by the government.
Under House Bill 615, by Rep. Carl Glimm, R-Kila, Montana would have had to demonstrate it had a higher state interest to enforce certain laws that might impair someone’s religious freedom acts.
“This bill is about discrimination of people like me,” said Rep. Bryce Bennett, D-Missoula, who is gay. “This is a bill about inspiring fear. ... This bill is discriminatory and dangerous.”
If the bill became law, Bennett said he could be refused service at a restaurant, could be fired from his job because he put a photo of his partner on his desk or could be kicked out of his house because he was living with his partner. It would allow a restaurant owner, an employer or landlord to legally discriminate against gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people, citing their religious beliefs.
Read more: http://helenair.com/news/legislature/house-religious-freedom-ballot-issue-fails-on---vote/article_4761e8e7-c5c6-5d73-a62c-8c370caf26c3.html
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