BIDDEFORD — On Tuesday, in a 19-16 vote, the state Senate voted down a bill meant to increase protections for religious freedom, which opponents said would have allowed religious beliefs as a defense for discrimination.
The Preservation of Religious Freedom Act was proposed by Sen. David Burns, R-Whiting. If passed, it would allow people, organizations and associations to disregard some laws, including non-discrimination laws like the Maine Human Rights Act, on the basis of religious beliefs. Its provisions would also allow those charged with breaking a law or regulation on the basis of religious belief to sue for monetary damages.
Those opposing the bill include Attorney General Janet Mills, the Maine Medical Association, the Religious Coalition Against Discrimination, the Maine Education Association and the Maine Human Rights Commission.
Democratic Sen. Linda Valentino of Saco, who also represents part of Biddeford, was a vocal opponent of the measure. Valentino is the Senate chair of the judiciary committee. The majority of those committee members voted against the bill.
“I support and believe strongly in the First Amendment, which provides for religious freedom, but I cannot support this bill because it is a step backwards,” said Valentino. “This bill would allow extremists to hide behind the words ”˜religious freedom’ as a way to circumvent our anti-discrimination laws.”
Democratic Sen. Chris Johnson of Somerville said he believes in religious freedom, but opposed the bill because it “overreaches.”
“My parents taught me long ago that my right to swing my arms ends when it meets up against another person’s right to not be assaulted,” he said. “We all have to live this balance, free to personally hold and practice beliefs, but not free to impose our beliefs on others at the expense of their rights.”
Also opposing the bill was Rwandan genocide survivor Apollo Karara of Portland, who spoke at a public hearing earlier this month. Karara said he came to the United States to escape persecution.
“As a Christian, I am glad that I have the freedom to practice my religion. But I know firsthand how dangerous it can be to decide that your personal beliefs entitle you to break laws that protect us all,” said Karara. “I came to America for safety and freedom ”“ please do not take that away.”
Burns and others dismissed the idea that the bill allows the religious to get away with anything they want and say the opposition fails to understand the bill’s purpose.
“This is not a partisan issue,” Burns told lawmakers. “This is an American issue … it is the right thing to do.”
The bill now goes to the House for further consideration.
— The Associated Press contributed to this story. Staff Writer Dina Mendros can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 324 or dmendros@journaltribune.com.
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