N.J. clergy can reject uniting gay couples despite law
By GEOFF MULVIHILL
Associated Press
Jan. 12, 2007

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. — Clergy in New Jersey cannot be required to unite gay couples in civil unions, the state attorney general said in a decision that quieted the fears of some religious groups opposed to same-sex ceremonies.

Attorney General Stuart Rabner's legal opinion, sent Thursday to the state registrar of vital statistics, came less than a month after the state became the third to approve civil unions for gay couples.

The unions offer the legal benefits of marriage, but not the title. Couples may begin applying for licenses in New Jersey on Feb. 19 and can be united 72 hours later.

Under the law, all the same people who perform marriages — among them clergy, judges, mayors and other local officials — can preside over civil union ceremonies.

Some opponents worried that gay rights might sue to force clergy to perform the ceremonies. the rest