House committee hears public testimony on religious freedom bill

UPDATE: A public hearing at the state capitol over a controversial so-called religious freedom bill wrapped up early Wednesday morning – at 12:25 a.m.

The sponsors of Senate Joint Resolution 39, or SJR 39, said the bill would protect companies that refuse service to same-sex couples over religious beliefs.

Supporters and opponents of the bill testified at the hearing that was delayed nearly two hours before starting. It clocked in nearly four and a half hours of testimony and discussion.

The Emerging Issues House Committee asked the bill’s sponsor, Senator Bob Onder, questions about the bill. The questions ranged from how this would affect business impacts in Missouri, to if it would hurt same-sex couples protected under the 14th Amendment, to what defines a religious organization that the bill would essentially help protect for not providing services for same-sex couples.

A couple of lawmakers questioned the broadness of the definitions in the bill and how it may create confusing situations for people. ABC 17 News spoke with another sponsor of SJR 39 who says he thinks the bill is outlined well but may face some challenges.

ORIGINAL STORY, 4:30 p.m.: The Missouri House Emerging Issues Committee has set aside four hours Monday evening for a public hearing on a controversial religious freedom bill.

Last month, Senate Joint Resolution 39, which is sponsored by Sen. Bob Onder, R-Lake St. Louis, sparked a record breaking 40-hour filibuster in the state senate.

If approved, privates businesses could refuse various marriage services for same-sex couples due to religious beliefs.

Opponents believe the bill is legitimizing discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

SJR 39 has to pass both chambers before it can reach voters in August or November.