adults embarrassing themselves in public:marriage commissioners’ “right” to not to marry gays
Federal Conservative Justice Critic Vic Toews says it is illegal to force marriage commissioners in Manitoba to perform same-sex marriages.
“[Commissioners] should not be compelled to choose between his or her faith and the official functions that they’re carrying out,” the longtime Manitoba MP told CKY News in Winnipeg.
Peter Dalla-Vicenza of Manitoba’s justice department said the commissioners are seen as “agents of the government” and are expected to uphold the law.
But Toews, the Conservative justice critic, said the policy is discriminatory and violates both the Charter of Rights and the Manitoba Human Rights Act.
Kisilowsky said he made it very clear when he applied for his commissioner’s licence he was only interested in performing Christian ceremonies.
“But they are forcing my hand. The only way I can get protection is if I am under denomination. I’m not looking to run out and get ordained. I just want to provide the service. I should have the right to say no to whomever I choose.”
Keep in mind, marriage commissioners are not clergy, they are civil servants who issue registrations. You can get married without a priest, but you can’t get married without a form from a marriage commissioner. These people are announcing that their job, which is an essential function for society, isn’t compatible with their religion but they should get to keep their jobs. This isn’t a big stretch from teachers announcing that they aren’t required to teach the gay children in their class, but they can be teachers anyway.
And this MP is standing up in public and saying their rights are being violated. With a straight face. No hint of shame.