A new twist has come to light on the religious freedom bill recently introduced into the Florida House by Rep. Julio Gonzalez of Venice, who himself is a physician. Not only would private businesses be able to deny service to gay and lesbian people if doing so would be contrary to the business’ religious or moral convictions, but the bill contains language that would allow hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities the same leeway. An article in Slate magazine says that the bill’s passage would protect doctors from malpractice suits and from disciplinary action by their hospitals or the American Medical Association.
