So, there is this guy in Saskatchewan who performs marriages, civil ones that is, who has refused to perform a same sex marriage based on his religious beliefs. This does bring up an interesting quandry I suppose and some say he should be fired, others that he should be allowed to refuse, without penalty.
Personally for myself, I believe that if you take the job, which is devoid of any religious connotation by design, you need to perform it. However, in this instance, I believe there should be latitude given. My reason is that this added requirement of same sex marriage was not part of the original job description when many of these marriage commissioners where hired or sought the job.
Nichols said Wednesday that had the same-sex marriage law been in place when he became a marriage commissioner in 1983, he would not have taken the job. (story)
I can see this issue coming up time and again and there should be a standard plan on how to deal with it. I think that anyone who was hired after or sought employment in this field after same sex marriage was made legal, then the answer is simple. They do the job or lose their job. No ifs, ands, or buts on that score. I mean you know what is involved, and you took the job knowing, so if now you suddenly find religion or excuses, well, I am sorry but that’s your tough luck.
If you already held the post prior and continue to perform it, things get tricky. On the one hand, you know you might be required to perform something you are uncomfortable with. So is it up to you to resign and lose that income or not? Personally I believe that yes, you should terminate your employment, because if you believe so strongly in those convictions, how can you continue to also take payment for doing a job you disagree with, in the hopes you won’t have to fulfill the full job requirement? Rather mercenary that, isn’t it?
At the same time, leaving a job isn’t exactly a pleasing option for some. I mean the worry and all about what will you do next, and all that, so I think that governments that have such positions, need to find a way to offer retirement or replacement for those who truly do have religious convictions that are now in conflict. Again though, I stress that this should be only for those who were ALREADY EMPLOYED in this field when the changes took effect. I have no sympathy for those who hire on after the fact, then claim they don’t have to do what the job requires.
I believe that one part of the solution to this problem, is to find a compensation package that is fair and generous to those who leave, and that a concerted effort be made to re-hire all commissioners based on this new job description. I mean, frankly to avoid this type of problem, the government needs to go to its employees in this field, and inform them of two choices. One is to continue and that includes performing same sex marriage ceremonies, and the other is to take a compensation package and cease being a marriage commissioner. It should not effect their pension, which should be allowed to be moved with them if they go to another government job, or be paid out. I don’t think there should be any penalty given to them if they opt for the compensation package, but they should make a choice.
This will insure that those who seek marriage, will not have that joyous occassion ruined or be forced to deal with this problem. It avoids conflict for those who truly do have a problem with it, and it doesn’t force them to go against their beliefs. However, if they choose to remain in this job, then they should perform the services they were hired to, as they are clearly aware of what is expected. They are given a choice, it is theirs to make and others should not be subjected to discomfort or inconvenience because they want their cake and want to eat it as well.
It really is that simple, I think.
