[E]ach religious institution has exclusive control over its own religious doctrine, policy, and teachings regarding who may marry within its faith, and on what terms.... No court or ... governmental body ... shall compel, prevent, or interfere in any way with any religious institution's decisions about marriage eligibility within that particular faith's tradition....
[N]o regularly licensed or ordained clergyperson, minister, elder, priest, imam, rabbi, or similar official of any church or religious denomination ... is required to solemnize any marriage....
[A] religions organization, association, or society... shall not be required to provide services, accommodations, advantages, facilities, goods, or privileges ... if ... related to: (1) The solemnization ... or the celebration of a marriage, and such solemnization or celebration is in violation of its religious beliefs and faith; or (2) The promotion of marriage through any social or religious programs or services, which violates the religious doctrine or teachings of religious organization, association or society.
Friday, May 03, 2013
Rhode Island Becomes 10th State To Legalize Same-Sex Marriage
AP reports that Rhode Island yesterday became the tenth state to legalize same-sex marriage as Gov. Lincoln Chafee signed the bill on the statehouse steps following its final passage by the House earlier in the day. The new law (full text) includes provisions protecting the right of religious organizations and clergy to make their own decision regarding same-sex marriage:
