TN lawmakers drafting Pastor Protection Act in response to same-sex marriage ruling

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* UPDATED: Supreme Court overturns bans on gay marriage in all 50 states* Area officials, groups react to Supreme Court same-sex marriage decision

NASHVILLE -- Today's U.S. Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage in Tennessee and across the country already has two socially conservative state legislators at work on legislation.

Rep. Bryan Terry, R-Murfreesboro, and Rep. Andy Holt, R-Dresden, say they are drafting a "Tennessee Pastor Protection Act" with Terry as lead sponsor.

In a news release, Terry said the intent is to "protect all religious clergy from performing same sex marriages, as well as, providing legal protection from being forced to perform same sex marriages on church property."

"It comes as no surprise that the Supreme Court ruled in favor of same sex marriage," Terry said. "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," Terry added. "However, if the issue and the cause is about redefining marriage to require others to change their deeply held religious beliefs, then the concerns of many will be valid."

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