The new law also makes it a Class B Misdemeanor for a clergyman, judge, mayor, city clerk or town clerk-treasurer to perform a same-sex marriage, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Any clerk who issues a license to a same-sex couple would also be guilty of a Class B Misdemeanor.
The UCC has had an order for "inclusive marriage" in its Book of Worship since at least 1986.
Does this mean if I use that service in Indiana to bless a same-sex relationship (which I could call a "holy union"), I'd be arrested?
Hell, it might be worth it for the court fight. Always wanted to play Snopes in a trial.....
I am also reminded that the Loving v. Virginia case not only involved a mixed-race marriage which Virginia had forbidden, but Virginia went on to make such marriages a criminal offense, even if they were legal elsewhere. Which sort of sounds more like this statute than the Texas Constitutional provision that simply won't recognize the union of two people the same sex as "marriage" under Texas law.
I mean, there's quite a difference between "you can't do that" and "You'll go to jail for doing that."
Interesting that some opponants of same-sex marriage make it sound like it will be illegal for a cleric to refuse to perform a same-sex marriage. However, in reality nobody is using the force of law to require clergy perform same sex marriage even as at least one state will use the force of law to forbid clergy from performing such marriages.
ReplyDeleteIOW, as usual, one side is projecting like a IMAX.
An some UCC minister will break that law in, 3. 2. 1.... Or someone else from another denomination. This sort of puts the lie to the idea that religious folks oppose gay marriage or they wouldn't include them in it.
ReplyDelete"Always wanted to play Snopes in a trial....."
ReplyDeleteI think you mean Scopes.
My secret passion to burn barns is out!
ReplyDelete