Reassignment possible for gay wedding refusals

SAN DIEGO—Employees who refuse to perform gay wedding ceremonies at the San Diego County Clerk's Office are facing reassignment.

At least 14 employees who raised religious objections to performing same-sex weddings have been told they cannot pick and choose between marriage applicants. California began gay marriages this week.

Clerk Greg Smith had told workers earlier that those who object on religious grounds wouldn't have to perform the ceremonies, but 14 employees balked and that was more than his office could accommodate.

Only 30 workers in the clerk's office perform wedding ceremonies,

Smith's office says in an e-mail to the 14 workers that refusal "would unfairly burden other employees and would directly compromise the services we provide to the public."

Employees were told they must perform the ceremonies without discrimination or seek a reassignment within the department or the county.

 Reassignment possible for gay wedding refusals
San Jose Mercury News,  USA