E-Mails Detail County Workers' Objections To Gay Marriage

SAN DIEGO -- Twenty-four county employees initially objected to performing same-sex marriage ceremonies but all but six changed their minds when the unions became legal on June 17, it was reported Wednesday.The six who did not were transferred or reassigned, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune.A series of e-mails from county employees who objected to performing same-sex marriage ceremonies was released this week under the California Public Records Act. The e-mails showed that employees cited their upbringing, religious beliefs and their overall discomfort with the topic, the Union-Tribune reported.Some employees wrote:

"I will transfer. I am not going to compromise my beliefs or standards for anyone, not even the Supreme Court of California."

"I do respect the rights of other citizens who are now asserting same-sex marriages but I also need to assert my right to religious freedom."

"I also want to clarify that my refusal to perform this (sic) ceremonies is based on my personal morals and beliefs, and it doesn't come from intolerance."The full picture of their objections could not be told because county lawyers literally blacked out single words and entire passages from some of the e-mails, citing privacy concerns. County Counsel John Sansone told the Union-Tribune that he chose to take out anything that would identify the employees or reveal their religious beliefs.

E-Mails Detail County Workers' Objections To Gay Marriage
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