I have a HUGE issue with this - Page 2

blondboinsd · #1 05-22-2008, 12:36 AM

San Diego County plans to comply with a state Supreme Court ruling that allows same-sex marriages but will not force employees to perform the ceremonies if they cite religious or moral objections.
County Assessor-Recorder-Clerk Greg Smith, whose office issues marriage licenses, said he has informed the roughly 115 employees deputized to conduct ceremonies to tell him if they object to same-sex marriages.

AdvertisementSmith said he needs to know if he'll have to juggle employees around or train more to handle what could be thousands of gay couples arriving at his office after the court's ruling takes effect next month. He also said it would be unfair for any couple to have a person who objects to their marriage performing their ceremony.
“I'm trying to strike a balance. I want to show dignity and respect to my staff and equally I want to show dignity and respect to the couples who want to get married,” Smith said.

He added, “Bottom line is we're going to get the job done and we're going to have the resources to do it.”

It's still unclear when same-sex marriages will become official. The court ruling goes into effect June 16, but the state Office of Vital Records needs to develop rules, forms and procedures for those marriages, Smith said.

Smith said he has a conference call tomorrow with the office and county clerks statewide. He hopes to have a better idea of when he can begin issuing licenses then.

County Counsel John Sansone has advised Smith to wait until the state gives direction before issuing licenses. He said the county will comply with the court ruling, it's just a matter of when it can start.

Sansone also said employees cannot simply object to performing same-sex ceremonies. They must give a legitimate religious or moral reason for refusing, he said.

Doesn't this seem a bit odd to you, Where would the seperation of Church and State be in this case? Isn't it their job to comply with CA laws?