House Bill 707 has been returned to the legislative calendar.
The decision was made Tuesday during a House Civil Law and Procedure Committee meeting in Baton Rouge. HB 707, known as the “Marriage and Conscience Act,” would prohibit the state from denying any resident, nonprofit or business a license, benefits or tax deductions because of actions taken “in accordance with a religious belief or moral conviction” about marriage.
The decision essentially ‘kills’ the bill this session. State Representative Mike Johnson, R-Bossier City, who authored the bill, opposed the committee’s decision, but was outvoted 10-2.
There was an overflow of support and opposition Tuesday to what could potentially be the most controversial bill of the legislative session.
Johnson says the bill will protect people from state government penalties if they have a sincere belief that marriage is between a man and a woman. However, those against HB 707 say it will allow discrimination and have a negative impact on the state of Louisiana.
The Bossier Press-Tribune is awaiting a response from Rep. Johnson on the committee’s decision.