We need your help to get Senate Bill 136, The Religious Liberty and Conscience Protection Act, to pass the legislature and be signed into law. This legislation will protect the religious liberty and rights of conscience of employees in the areas of health care, medical and scientific research. SB 136 is currently awaiting a vote from the full senate. Please contact Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville and encourage him to hold a vote on SB 136. Senator Richardville voted for the legislation in 2012 when it easily passed the Senate so he is supportive of religious liberty protections.

Seantor Richardville’s email is SenRichardville@senate.michigan.gov.

You should also contact Senator Arlen Meekof, the Majority Floor Leader. His email address is SenAMeekhof@senate.michigan.gov. Senator Meekhof also voted for the legislation in 2012.

This legislation would:

• Allow an employer to craft an employee accommodation policy in advance of any elective procedure that an employee may find objectionable based on their religious teachings. The bill allows an employer to ask a prospective employee about their objections if the procedure is a normal course of duties for that position.

• Not allow for the refusal of care to a group of individuals. This legislation only applies to health services, procedures or medications. The bill allows an employer to ask a prospective employee about their objections if the procedure is a normal course of duties for that position.

• Require that, in emergency situations, care must be provided, even if the provider objects as a matter of conscience. Senate Bill 136 places into state law language that guarantees no patient can be denied emergency care due to a facility’s accommodation policy. Further, this legislation would still require that even if a doctor or nurse does not perform a service because of a conscientious objection, they are required to inform the patient of their options.