Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Senate Votes to Override Governor’s Veto of Religious Freedom Act

(Missouri Digital News) -- The Missouri Senate voted 26-6 Wednesday to protect the religious freedom of all Missourians by overriding the governor’s veto of Senate Bill 749.  Sponsor Sen. John Lamping, R-Ladue, said the bill was filed in direct response to President Obama’s mandate under the federal Affordable Health Care Act that forces employers to offer health care services even if those services are against their religious beliefs or moral convictions. 


“This is not an issue about access,” said Lamping.  “All employees still have access to these services.  This is an issue about who pays for them.”

Under current law, employers are not required to offer health care coverage for employees.
A number of employers have announced their intent to discontinue health insurance coverage for their employees as a result of the federal government’s mandate. 

“The stories we are hearing of businesses that are considering dropping their insurance coverage rather than violating their beliefs are alarming,” said Senate Majority Floor Leader Tom Dempsey, R- St. Charles.  “This veto override was extremely important, because it gives employers the option to continue to provide health care benefits without being forced to pay for something that goes against their religious beliefs or moral convictions.”

SB 749 passed the General Assembly during the regular legislative session, only later to be vetoed by the governor.  In order to override the veto in the Senate, 23 votes were needed.  The House also took up and overrode the governor’s veto, so the bill becomes law effective immediately. 

Senate Leader Robert N. Mayer, R-Dexter, added, “Religious freedom is the cornerstone of America.  It is important we protect Missourians from the federal government infringing on our First Amendment rights.  By overriding this veto, we are keeping government out of our businesses and from telling religious organizations they must violate their beliefs to fulfill this mandate.”

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