h_sa_2016a_2016-02-08t13:40:00z1 Hearing Summary

Date: 02/08/2016

02:33 PM -- HB16-1123



Representative Klingenschmitt, sponsor, presented House Bill 16-1123 to the committee. This bill specifies that religious organizations that refuse to violate a sincerely held belief by providing services, accommodations, or goods are not subject to civil penalties for discrimination. The penalties do not apply to individuals and organizations controlled or connected with a religious organization that provide goods, services, or accommodations for the solemnization of any marriage or religious ceremony. The bill also prevents state or local governments from revoking the tax exempt status of these religious organizations and requires that religious organizations be exempt from local sales taxes.



Representative Klingenschmitt provided a packet of information to committee members (Attachment B). Committee members discussed the bill with Representative Klingenschmitt.



16HouseState0208AttachB.pdf



02:42 PM -- Brian Severin, representing Victory Christian Fellowship, testified in support of the bill.



02:48 PM -- Kathy Escobar, representing the Refuge and the Interfaith Alliance of Colorado, testified against the bill.



02:56 PM -- Joslyn Severin, representing Victory Christian Fellowship, testified in support of the bill.



03:00 PM -- Rev. Bradley Laurvick, representing Highlands United Methodist Church, testified against the bill.



03:07 PM -- Rev. Jim Dotson, representing Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, testified in support of the bill.



03:10 PM -- Stuart Pack, representing the Anti-Defamation League, testified against the bill.



03:16 PM -- Len Billings, representing First Baptist Church of Golden, testified in support of the bill.



03:21 PM -- Rev. Amanda Henderson, representing the Interfaith Alliance of Colorado, testified against the bill. Committee members received a letter from the Interfaith Alliance (Attachment C).



16HouseState0208AttachC.pdf



03:27 PM -- Fr. Dimitri Kyritsis, representing the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Denver, testified in support of the bill.



03:32 PM -- Rabbi Stephen Booth Nadev, representing Kavod Life and the Rocky Mountain Rabbinical Council, testified against the bill.



03:36 PM -- Stan Lightfoot, representing Rustic Hills Baptist Church, testified in support of the bill.



03:41 PM -- Rev. Dr. Jim Ryan, representing the Interfaith Alliance of Colorado, testified against the bill.



03:44 PM -- John Smith, representing Majestic View Church, testified in support of the bill.



03:47 PM -- Jim Hagan, representing Friendship Assembly of God Church, testified in support of the bill.



03:52 PM -- Rev. John Musil, representing West Greeley Baptist Church, testified in support of the bill.



03:55 PM -- Roger Anghis, representing Prevailing Word Ministries, testified in support of the bill.



03:57 PM -- John Byrne, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.



04:02 PM -- Barbara Holmes, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.



04:04 PM -- Ann Collins, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.



04:07 PM -- Pastor Rev. Rex Louth, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.



04:10 PM -- David Armstrong, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.



04:14 PM -- Jason Walker, representing Broomfield Baptist Church, testified in support of the bill.



04:18 PM -- Sharon Boileau, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.





04:22 PM



Representative Klingenschmitt wrapped up his presentation of the bill. Committee members received additional handouts from Representative Klingenschmitt (Attachment D).



16HouseState0208AttachD.pdf

04:40 PM



The committee adjourned.