‘Pastor Protection’ Bill Defeated In Senate Committee

State Rep. Mike Johnson's "Pastor Protection" bill, which ensured that a religious leader cannot be forced by the government to conduct a wedding ceremony that violates his or her sincerely held religious belief, was killed in Senate committee Tuesday.

The Bossier City legislator's bill was defeated by a single vote after an hour of debate. The proposal had previously been passed by the House by a vote of 80 - 18.

Said Johnson, via social media:

"(The defeat of this bill) jeopardized the religious freedoms and tax exempt status of the conservative clergy and churches of our state. I was grateful for the army of pastors who showed up today to support the bill, from all parts of the state and from many denominations. I was also grateful for the opportunity in committee to explain some important concepts, such the true meaning of the often misused phrase, 'separation of church and state.'"

To see the official Senate committee debate over Johnson's "Pastor Protection Act" (HB 597), JUST CLICK HERE!