Post by Logan on Apr 5, 2016 20:52:24 GMT -6
Governor signs Del. Chris Head's bill on marriage officiants
Gov. Terry McAuliffe has signed a bill making it clear that ministers and others who perform weddings can’t be required to take an oath as part of the certification process and aren’t considered agents of the state.
House Bill 19, carried by Del. Chris Head, was one of the smaller religious liberty measures introduced this year. Head, R-Botetourt, described it as a narrow, preventive step aimed at easing concerns and reaffirming the freedoms of marriage officiants.
The bill drew some objections from Democrats, most notably in the Senate, where it passed on a nearly party-line vote of 22-16.
But it largely escaped the controversy generated by broader bills dealing with religious freedom and marriage.
Brandon Day, communications director for Equality Virginia, said his organization viewed the bill as merely reiterating already recognized protections for religious leaders and others who solemnize marriages.
Read more: www.roanoke.com/news/politics/governor-signs-del-chris-head-s-bill-on-marriage-officiants/article_58389930-62b7-525d-8cec-65a81029333e.html
Gov. Terry McAuliffe has signed a bill making it clear that ministers and others who perform weddings can’t be required to take an oath as part of the certification process and aren’t considered agents of the state.
House Bill 19, carried by Del. Chris Head, was one of the smaller religious liberty measures introduced this year. Head, R-Botetourt, described it as a narrow, preventive step aimed at easing concerns and reaffirming the freedoms of marriage officiants.
The bill drew some objections from Democrats, most notably in the Senate, where it passed on a nearly party-line vote of 22-16.
But it largely escaped the controversy generated by broader bills dealing with religious freedom and marriage.
Brandon Day, communications director for Equality Virginia, said his organization viewed the bill as merely reiterating already recognized protections for religious leaders and others who solemnize marriages.
Read more: www.roanoke.com/news/politics/governor-signs-del-chris-head-s-bill-on-marriage-officiants/article_58389930-62b7-525d-8cec-65a81029333e.html