Maryland Clerks Opt Out Of Performing Marriages Rather Than Serve Gay Couples

Some deputy court clerks in Maryland have opted out of performing marriages rather than serve gay couples as the state's marriage equality law comes into effect on Tuesday.

The law was approved by lawmakers and upheld by 52 percent of voters on November 6.

According to The Washington Examiner, some clerks in the St. Mary's County Circuit Court will pass on their marriage duties to other employees.

“There are some [deputy clerks] that have voiced some opposition to doing it – [they have] religious feelings about it … so it's basically my idea that they won't do any marriage[s] at all,” said Joan Williams, clerk of the St. Mary's County Circuit Court. “Some people are just very against same-sex marriages, and I have to respect their reasons and their decisions.”

Carrie Evans, executive director of Equality Maryland, which lobbied for passage of the measure, said changing which deputy clerks perform marriages is acceptable.

On this one, I completely disagree with Carrie Evans...these people are public servants, holding government jobs, if we as a minority allow such reprehensible behavior froma civil servant, then what next?

Your postman decides he can't deliver your mail, you can't renew your drivers license etc?

No, if these people can't perform their jobs then their employment needs terminated.

If they want to argue this is religious persecution, then they should read the Bible again, you know, the part where Christ said: "Render unto Caesar what is Caesars" and how about Paul stating slaves should obey their masters?