MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2016 Regular Session

To: Judiciary A

By: Representatives Boyd, Eubanks, Hopkins

House Bill 1342

AN ACT TO PROVIDE THAT MEMBERS OF THE JUDICIARY AND BOARDS OF SUPERVISORS AUTHORIZED TO OFFICIATE RITES OF MATRIMONY SHALL NOT BE REQUIRED TO DO SO IF SUCH ACTION WOULD VIOLATE A SINCERELY HELD RELIGIOUS BELIEF; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

     BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1.  (1)  No Supreme Court Justice or any judge of the Court of Appeals, a circuit court, chancery court, county court, justice court, or any member of a board of supervisors shall be required to solemnize rites of matrimony if such action would cause the individual to violate a sincerely held religious belief.

     (2)  No adverse action shall be taken against an individual who refuses to solemnize rites of matrimony in accordance with subsection (1) of this section.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2016.