Religious freedom?

• By SARAH CHACKO
• Advocate Capitol News Bureau
• Published: Jun 11, 2009 - Page: 1A

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Louisiana voters could be allowed to change the constitutionally protected freedom of religion under legislation that narrowly passed the state Senate Wednesday.

House Bill 340, sponsored by state Rep. Cameron Henry, R-Jefferson, attempts to “clarify” the state Constitution’s provision for the free exercise of religion, according to proponents of the bill.

Opponents say the constitutional amendment, which voters would have to approve, actually muddies the water and opens the state to lawsuits.

State Sen. Nick Gautreaux, D-Meaux, who was handling HB340 in the Senate on Wednesday, cited cases of people being stopped from ringing church bells, handing out leaflets or speaking publicly about their faith.

State Sen. Dan Claitor, R-Baton Rouge, noted few such problems have come up in Louisiana and none has made it to the state Supreme Court.

Gautreaux agreed that HB340 would be a “pre-emptive strike” at problems that have yet to occur in Louisiana.

“Oftentimes we prevent things through legislation before it happens,” Gautreaux said.

Some senators raised concerns about what religious practices would be protected under the law.

Polygamy? asked Sen. J.P. Morrell, D-New Orleans. Gay marriage?

“Right now with existing law, there is no argument,” Morrell said. “I think with this bill, you create the argument.”

HB340 also would allow for health-care workers to refuse treatment or services based on their religious objections.

A similar measure, House Bill 517, would allow health-care workers to use moral and religious objections as a reason to refuse services. HB517 was approved in committee Wednesday and is headed to the Senate.

Southern University Law Center professor Michelle Ghetti watched the debate and spoke with senators from the gallery along side the Senate chamber. Ghetti testified before House and Senate committees in support of HB340.