Senator drafting bill to allow communion wine sale

HELENA, Mont. (AP) - A Great Falls lawmaker is drafting a bill to create a legal way for sacramental wine to be distributed in Montana.

The bill by Democratic Sen. Mitch Tropila would allow state liquor stores to purchase sacramental wine, then sell it to church supply businesses, which could then sell it to churches.

The issue came to light when Roy and Mary Houseman, who own Montana Church Supply in Great Falls, did not receive sacramental wine they ordered. Mary Houseman said the winemaker was told it didn't have a license to distribute wine in Montana and Montana Church Supply didn't have a license to sell it.

Revenue Director Dan Bucks said he was surprised to learn there was not a provision in Montana law dealing with the sale of sacramental wine.