Dutch outcry over new same-sex marriage guidelines

A proposal by the incoming Dutch government to allow civil servants to refuse to officiate at same-sex marriages is causing a public outcry. Several local authorities have already ruled that their officials will not be permitted to turn down marriages involving gay or lesbian couples. A number have even indicated they will not tolerate civil servants with moral objections on the issue.

The Green Left party says it will put forward motions in dozens of towns and cities to counter the new government’s proposal, which has also been fiercely denounced by the D66 democrat party. The SGP, a small right-wing Calvinist party, supports the government’s position. A debate on the issue is due to take place shortly after the inauguration of the new cabinet.

Source: Radio Netherlands, 16 February 2007