Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Ohio House Leader Says Serious Consideration Being Given To "Pastor Protection Act"

Ohio House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger
Dan Konik
Ohio House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger

There’s another indication a controversial bill nicknamed the “pastor protection act” might be on its way to becoming law. 

Republican House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger says members of his caucus are interested to see something happen with the bill. It would prohibit state or local government from penalizing a pastor for refusing to perform a ceremony between two people of the same gender. The legislation, which Rosenberger says simply affirms the principles already in Ohio law, has had two committee hearings. Rosenberger says the caucus continues to review and discuss it before determining future action next week. Gov. John Kasich is on record saying he’d support a limited bill but cautions he would not sign into law anything like the controversial measures in North Carolina and Indiana that prompted boycotts.

Copyright 2017 The Statehouse News Bureau

Jo Ingles is a professional journalist who covers politics and Ohio government for the Ohio Public Radio and Television for the Ohio Public Radio and Television Statehouse News Bureau. She reports on issues of importance to Ohioans including education, legislation, politics, and life and death issues such as capital punishment.