Marriage.

Existing law enumerates persons who are authorized to solemnize a marriage, including any priest, minister, rabbi, or authorized person of any religious denomination. This bill would provide that marriage is a personal relation arising out of a civil, and not religious, contract. The bill would also specify that a priest, minister, rabbi, or authorized person of any religious denomination shall not be required to solemnize a marriage that is contrary to the tenets of his or her faith. The bill would state that any refusal to solemnize a marriage by an individual or by a religious denomination under this provision shall not affect the tax exempt status of any entity.