Legislation aiming to prohibit the enforcement of religious or foreign law that conflicts with constitutional rights has advanced in both chambers of the Florida Legislature. Senate Bill 1632, sponsored by Senator Erin Grall of Vero Beach, was approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice with a 5-3 vote. Its companion, House Bill 1471 by Representative Hillary Cassel of Hollywood, passed through the House Judiciary Committee with a 13-5 vote.
Amendments made to both bills addressed concerns raised by the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops (FCCB). The FCCB had expressed apprehension that the original provisions could conflict with established legal precedent regarding religious freedom for churches and other religious entities. The amendments now clarify that “the prohibition on the application of religious or foreign law does not apply to the governance, administration, or adjudication of ecclesiastical matters of a religious organization, including, but not limited to, the selection, appointment, discipline, or removal of employees or clergy.”
Both SB 1632 and HB 1471 have completed all required committee reviews and are now available for consideration by their respective full chambers. HB 1471 is scheduled for discussion on the House Special Order Calendar on March 3.
