'Pastor Protection Act' heads to Senate after House approval

The bill proposing the "Pastor Protection Act" has gained House approval and is now on its way to the Senate for a final vote.

The "Pastor Protection Act" aims to protect clergy ministers who refuse to perform wedding ceremonies for same-sex couples if it would go against their religious beliefs. The bill was filed in response to the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark ruling last year which gave gay couples the right to marry across the United States.

The bill is sponsored by Rep. Scott Plakon (R-Longwood) and Sen. Aaron Bean (R-Fernandina Beach). The latter said there are 17 other states that have passed similar bills since the high court's landmark ruling, CBS Local reports.

However, the "Pastor Protection Act" does not come without objections. Some House and Senate representatives argue that pastors who do not want to solemnize same-sex weddings are already protected by the First Amendment. Rep. Kevin Rader (D-Delray Beach) claims it is an unnecessary bill.

Opponents of the bill in both chambers warn that the Act will only send a message of exclusion to the LGBT community in Florida.

"It's a mean-spirited jab at the LGBT community... a prima facie that says, 'Not Welcome,' " said Rep. Ed Narain (D-Tampa).

Bean, on the other hand, explained that the bill will act as preventive measure for the time when lawsuits will begin cropping up. Rep. Dennis Baxley (R-Ocala) echoed Bean's statement and said Bible-based groups are the ones being discriminated upon these days and are the ones now in need of explicit protection..

"If there is anybody under assault and discrimination, I'll tell you who it is. It is anyone who holds a biblical world view, and is simply trying to live by it," said Baxley. "They are under assault. We are called haters."

In the end, the "Pastor Protection Act" passed the House in an 82-37 vote and is now headed to the Senate.