¶ Overview
In 2015, Mason co-sponsored legislation allowing individuals and businesses to refuse services to same-sex couples based on religious beliefs. The “Preservation of Religious Freedom Act” could have legalized discrimination based on sexual orientation.
According to a 2018 Maine Citizen Stewardship Voter Guide, Mason opposed marriage equality and supported defining marriage as between one man and one woman.
¶ Garrett Mason Opposed Marriage Equality And Supported Policies Allowing Service Refusals Based On Religious Beliefs
¶ In 2015, Garrett Mason Co-Sponsored The “Preservation Of Religious Freedom Act,” While Critics Warned The Bill Could Allow Discrimination Against Same-Sex Couples
2015: Mason Co-Sponsored Legislation That Allowed Individuals And Businesses To Refuse Services To Individuals That Conflicted With Religious Beliefs, Including Same-Sex Couples. According to the Portland Press Herald, "The three top Republicans in the Maine Senate have signed on as co-sponsors of a so-called religious freedom bill similar to legislation that has sparked controversy, protests and threats of boycotts in Indiana and other states. [...] The bill, L.D. 1340, says that state and local governments cannot 'substantially burden a person's exercise of religion' unless there is a 'compelling governmental interest.' The legislation states that exercise of religion includes 'the ability to act or refuse to act in a manner substantially motivated by a person's sincerely held religious belief.' Supporters argue that such laws are needed to prevent individuals or business owners from having to provide services that effectively support or sanction activities -- such as a same-sex marriage -- that violate their religious beliefs. [...] Burns picked up the support of his party's three Senate leaders: President Mike Thibodeau of Winterport, Majority Leader Garrett Mason of Lisbon Falls and Assistant Majority Leader Andre Cushing of Hampden." [Portland Press Herald, 4/15/15]
- 2015: Critics Warned The Legislation Could Allow Discrimination Against Same-Sex Couples. According to the Portland Press Herald, "But the language of the bills in Maine and elsewhere has prompted others to worry that business owners, landlords or corporations could refuse to serve, say, a same-sex couple or other groups that are protected from discrimination under Maine law. Burns picked up the support of his party's three Senate leaders: President Mike Thibodeau of Winterport, Majority Leader Garrett Mason of Lisbon Falls and Assistant Majority Leader Andre Cushing of Hampden. But opponents suggested Tuesday that the bill threatens to bring the same type of protests and national media attention seen in Indiana, Arkansas and other states." [Portland Press Herald, 4/15/15]
- The “Preservation Of Religious Freedom Act” Could Legalize Discrimination Based On Sexual Orientation. According to the Bangor Daily News, "A draft of a Maine senator’s ‘religious freedom’ bill shows the plan is nearly identical to the Indiana law that has sparked national controversy in recent weeks from those who say it has legalized discrimination based on sexual orientation. [...] The proposal, currently titled ‘An Act to Enact the Preservation of Religious Freedom Act,’ is similar to legislation passed in several other states, most recently Indiana and Arizona. It’s also largely the same as legislation proposed by Burns last year, which was rejected by the Maine Legislature." [Bangor Daily News, 4/7/15]
¶ 2018: According To A Maine Citizen Stewardship Voter Guide, Garrett Mason Supported Defining Marriage As Between One Man And One Woman
2018 Maine Citizen Stewardship Voter Guide: Garrett Mason Supported Defining Marriage As Between One Man And One Woman. According to the 2018 State Of Maine Citizen Stewardship Voter Guide,
[State Of Maine Citizen Stewardship Voter Guide, 2018]