"can we formulate our own opinions based on personal religious or moral views?"
You and I can. Yes.

The gentleman in question is a legislator. That means he does have to consider his constituents' and party's feelings before spouting off.

If the party and his district don't have a problem with it, then fine. If they do, then tough shit, a politician so stupid as to touch that subject at all deserves to go home . . .