HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1244
TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2011
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO solemnization.

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

     SECTION 1.  Section 572-1.6, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "[[]§572-1.6[]]  Private solemnization of same sex relationships not unlawful[.]; refusal to provide services, etc. (a)  Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to render unlawful, or otherwise affirmatively punishable at law, the solemnization of same-sex relationships by religious organizations[; provided that nothing] or religious or charitable organizations operated, supervised, or controlled by a religious institution or organization.  Nothing in this section shall be construed to confer any of the benefits, burdens, or obligations of marriage under the laws of Hawaii.

(b)  Religious institutions or organizations, or religious or charitable organizations operated, supervised, or controlled by a religious institution or organization, shall not be required to provide to an individual or individuals, services, accommodations, benefits, advantages, facilities, goods, or privileges that are related to a solemnization or celebration of a same-sex relationship, such as a same-sex marriage or a civil union between persons of the same sex, if the solemnization or celebration is in violation of the institution or organization's religious beliefs and faith.  Any refusal to provide services, accommodations, benefits, advantages, facilities, goods, or privileges that is made in accordance with this subsection shall not create any civil claim or cause of action, or result in any state action to penalize or withhold benefits from the institution or organization that refused."

     SECTION 2.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Solemnization; Lawful

Description:

Allows for the refusal of services or accommodations related to the solemnization of same-sex marriages, civil unions, and other same-sex unions on religious grounds.

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