Former marriage commissioner fights requirement to perform same-sex ceremonies

WINNIPEG — A former Manitoba marriage commissioner said provincial officials were well aware of his opposition to performing what he called non-Christian marriages before he was granted his licence in 2003.

Kevin Kisilowsky’s lawyer told court Thursday his client informed the Vital Statistics department that he would only do “God-ordained ceremonies.”

Kisilowsky is asking the court to strike down the law mandating all marriage commissioners perform same-sex weddings.

Kisilowsky was stripped of his commissioner’s licence by the province after the Supreme Court of Canada changed the legal definition of marriage in 2004.

Lawyer Jay Cameron said the removal of his client’s licence was based on his religious beliefs and therefore violates his constitutional rights.

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Government lawyer Allison Pejovic said religious freedom only goes so far, and Kisilowsky is asking the government to be a party to his discrimination.

“That is offensive,” Pejovic said.

Unlike priests, rabbis and other religious officials, marriage commissioners perform civil ceremonies only and must follow provincial guidelines.

Pejovic said when someone volunteers to become a provincially licensed marriage commissioner, they must marry everyone without engaging in discrimination.

The judge has reserved her decision.

(CTV Winnipeg)

The Canadian Press

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