Quote:
Originally posted by RACooper
Ah but that's the thing, places of worship don't have to perform the ceremonies at all - their right to follow/protect their teachings is protected in the legislation. So the freedom of places of worship to refuse to perform the ceremony is protected, just as your right to attend a place of worship that is closer to your beliefs...
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Actually, this is only partially true. As it stands right now, there's no way for civil servants to opt-out of performing same-sex marriages. Basically, there has to be someone on staff who is willing to perform the ceremony at all times. If you're in a small town and you're the only clerk, you'll have to marry Rico and Amir (or Betty and Susie) even if it goes against your beliefs.
That's one thing that I hope they work out ASAP. Because as much as I champion same-sex marriages, I don't think anyone should be forced to participate in something that goes against their religious beliefs.
(And that includes going to war, but that's a different topic for a different thread...)
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