Since pre-filing legislation regarding marriage solemnization last week, Soldotna Senator Peter Micciche says the bill has been largely misunderstood.
Sen. Micciche(R-District O): “It is not a Kim Davis bill, it does not protect civil workers, or anyone else authorized by the state to solemnize a marriage. It only protects clergy members and their congregation. So again, it’s certainly not anti-gay, I have some folks that are very close to me that happen to be in same-sex relationships. This simply protects clergy members.”
Although religious freedoms are protected in the First Amendment, he says clergy members have contacted him and asked for assurance that they are protected in Alaska if they were to decline a ceremony because of their beliefs.
Senator Micciche says he is not aware of any challenges in the state thus far. He says since the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriages nationwide in the summer of 2015, other states have seen problems.
Sen. Micciche(R-District O): “I know the City of Houston in Texas just had an ordinance that went too far, tried to control what happened within the congregation and tried to influence free speech and freedom of conscience within those churches. It failed, it went to the voters and it failed but often in these cases it’s just a matter of time before there’s a challenge.”
He says he is working with LGBT groups and hopes the results from the discussion will protect all sides involved.
Micciche reiterated that Alaska’s budget crisis is his first priority.