HB56 Alabama 2015 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Jim HillRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2015
Title: Marriages, persons authorized to solemnize marriage not required to perform solemnize marriage, Freedom of Religion in Marriage Protection Act, Sec. 30-1-7 am'd.
Summary: HB56 would protect religious freedom in marriage by allowing religious leaders and organizations not to be required to solemnize or recognize marriages and by limiting government penalties for refusals.
What This Bill Does
It amends Section 30-1-7 to specify who may solemnize marriages and states they are not required to solemnize every marriage. It establishes protections for religious organizations and their leaders from civil or criminal liability if they refuse to solemnize or recognize a marriage. It bars state and local governments from penalizing, withholding benefits, or contracting with a church or religious organization based on that refusal. It clarifies that protections cover a broad range of religious entities and related activities, including counseling or programs tied to marriage, and it becomes effective upon the governor's approval.

Who It Affects
Religious organizations and their leaders (e.g., ministers, priests) who may refuse to solemnize or recognize a marriage without facing civil or criminal liability.
State and local government agencies and officials, which may not penalize or withhold benefits, or deny contracts based on a religious organization's or leader's refusal to solemnize or recognize a marriage.

Key Provisions
Amends Section 30-1-7 to list who can solemnize a marriage and states they are not required to solemnize every marriage.
Explicit protection of religious officials from being compelled to solemnize or recognize marriages.
Immunity from civil or criminal liability for refusals to solemnize or recognize marriages.
Prohibits state/local government penalties, benefit withholdings, or contract denials based on such refusals.
No obligation for churches or religious organizations to provide marriage-related accommodations or services.
Defines and includes a broad range of religious organizations within the protection and clarifies that related marriage programs count as recognition/solemnization activities.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Marriage