There are several resources available to protect religious institutions that doctrinally oppose same sex marriages in light of the United States Supreme Court’s decision on the issue. If a pastor publicly opposed same sex marriage, or the ministry leases out space for community events, host weddings, funerals or other public ministries and based on Church doctrine, declines to provide the same to the same sex couples, the religious institution needs to do two things.
First, review its organizational structure to provide for how its facilities are to be used. The Alliance Defending Freedom has a free resource that religious institutions can use to incorporate into its governing materials. It can be found at Protecting the Church
Second, review the liability insurance coverage to make sure that the institution and staff are insured for any events potential claims that could arise out of speaking about same sex marriage or the denial of space for same sex marriage events. One insurer that carriers the coverage is Brotherhood Mutual. The specific rider that needs to be purchased is the Religious Freedom Coverage policy, which can be found at Religious Freedom Protection Coverage
The Supreme Courts decision has a tremendous impact on the faith-based community that over time will be developed and litigated. By addressing the governing documents and securing insurance, your religious institution can start protecting itself for the litigation that is certain to arise.
Should your ministry have questions concerning this issue, or need assistance in preparing governing documents, please contact one of the professionals at Dalton & Tomich PLC.
