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Religious Exemption from Gay Marriage Duties Approved by VA Panel

equality virginia website

A measure in the Virginia legislature would allow state government officials from having to perform same-sex marriages if it violates their religious beliefs.

The bill also would allow religious organizations and their employees to deny services and facilities for marriage related activities.

The bill was approved by a legislative committee despite the opposition of the American Civil Liberties Union and Equality Virginia.

The Salisbury Daily Times reports that the legislation was introduced after the U.S. Supreme Court made same-sex marriage legal.

Opponents say that it would violate the religious rights of state employees and other involved in marriage activities.

The issue came to a head in Kentucky when a local official refused to sign off on same-sex marriage certificates.

Don Rush is the News Director at Delmarva Public Media. An award-winning journalist, Don reports major local issues of the day, from sea level rise, to urban development, to the changing demographics of Delmarva.