Now that NY has joined us here in Mass as an equal marriage state, I hope that the problems we have here do not transfer to NY as well
As a Justice of the Peace in MA I have officiated at many same gender weddings, both gay and lesbian. It is an honor to do so. But (always a but, isn't there) I am aware thatseveral Justices here in MA still refuse to do them. They find excuses such as vacation, booked or surgery. I am aware of one JP who has had knee replacement surgery at least four times now. And another who claims to be booked for a wedding on a Tuesday night at 10 PM.
We have nothing in place to police these people. And if we did, the worse that can happen is that they loose their commision.
That is where you come in to play. If you find you are discriminated by an officiant because of your sexual orientation it is Discrimination. You have the right to place a complaint and civil charges against such people. Please do so. If you are in MA, I will even help you in doing so.
when the legalization of Same gender marriages took place in MA, those who refused to perform such marriages were told to turn in their commision. IT IS THE LAW and as such an Officiant must officiate regardless of their personal religious or moral beliefs. I hope the same hold true for NY and all other states that offer Same Gender marriages.
Congratulations NY and welcome to the club

Rich

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