Judge rejects former marriage commissioner’s stand against same-sex ceremonies
WINNIPEG — A Manitoba judge has rejected a former marriage commissioner’s bid to strike down the province’s requirement that all commissioners perform same-sex marriage ceremonies.
Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Karen Simonsen ruled this week that the Manitoba government’s decision to strip Kevin Kisilowsky’s licence did not substantially violate his constitutional right to religious freedom.
Simonsen wrote that Kisilowsky could still perform individual marriage ceremonies that follow his Christian beliefs by applying for one-time permits for status as a temporary marriage commissioner, or by becoming a religious official. She also said the effects of the Manitoba policy have been positive.
“It was a rejection of discrimination against gays and lesbians and their right to marry in Manitoba. It has prevented the applicant from engaging in discriminatory behaviour against same-sex couples,” Simonsen wrote.