Gay Marriage and Religious Freedom

St. Louis Lawyers Chapter

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The Iowa Supreme Court's and the Vermont legislature's controversial decisions to extend legal marriage rights to gay couples marked a victory for same-sex marriage advocates.  Washington, D.C.'s decision to recognize other states' same-sex marriages has also been hailed as a civil rights triumph.

However, Kevin J. "Seamus" Hasson of the Becket Fund for Religious Freedom asks the hard questions: What effect will legalized gay marriage have on our First Amendment rights to religious freedom? For instance, would a religious marital counseling program have to extend services to same-sex couples?  Would a religious employer have to extend spousal insurance benefits to same-sex spouses?  Would a religious university have to extend subsidized marital housing to same-sex couples?

Speakers:

  • Mr. Kevin J. "Seamus" Hasson, The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty
  • Introduction: Ms. Jennifer Wolsing, President, St. Louis Federalist Society