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House debates and approves bill to limit internet ordinations used to solemnize marriages
Summary
Lawmakers debated Senate Bill 211, which would invalidate certificates of religious ordination obtained via the internet if used to claim authority to solemnize marriages; supporters called it a fix to a growing problem, while opponents said existing law already addresses improper solemnizations and raised constitutional concerns; the measure passed in the chamber as transcribed.
The Utah House spent a prolonged period debating Senate Bill 211, a measure the sponsor described as intended to invalidate certificates of religious ordination obtained over the internet that some providers use to claim authority to solemnize marriages.
Representative Litback, the sponsor, said the bill responds to organizations that sell or provide certificates over the internet or by mail that then are used to purport to give an individual religious authority to perform marriage ceremonies. "Senate Bill 211…
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