Minnesota Lawmakers Introduce Bills To Allow Atheist Wedding Officiants

[rug]

by Shadee Ashtari
Posted: 04/04/2014 3:10 pm EDT
Updated: 04/04/2014 4:59 pm EDT

Minnesota state Sen. John Marty (D) introduced a bill on Friday to amend the state’s existing statute on civil marriages to allow atheists and humanists to preside over wedding ceremonies.

The bill would grant "solemnization authorization," which includes legally signing marriage certificates, to secular celebrants appointed by atheist or humanist organizations.

Under current state law, “ministers of any religious denomination … are authorized to solemnize a civil marriage” after filing documents from their spiritual assembly with the local county registrar.

The measure, SF 2958, aims to add “any other celebrant,” specifically identifying atheists or humanists, to the law’s existing statute on civil marriages.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/04/atheist-weddings-minnesota_n_5093091.html?utm_hp_ref=politics

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/text.php?number=SF2958&version=0&session=ls88&session_year=2014&session_number=0

[Manifestor_of_Light]

1. I know a humanist minister.

www.americanhumanist.org

[rug]

2. There may be quite a few openings in Minnesota if this bill passes.

[AtheistCrusader]

3. By the power vested in me by the State of Washington, and the almighty internet...

Best line I've ever heard at a wedding.