in the event that homosexual marriages become legal in washington via court challenges, i’ve already begun preparing. i got ordained by the universal life church, which i think should suffice to the law as “any minister or priest of any church or religious denomination.” the irs seems to recognize the universal life church, and it is one of the few i could find that doesn’t have a doctrinal conflict with atheism. secular humanism is another option that i need to research further. my boss has already approved me taking off of work on short notice to go to city hall and perform marriages, should legalization occur and should the county temporarily waive the regular 3 day waiting period on marriage licenses. i’ve started working out templates for short ceremonies but non-new-age-hokey, non-patriarchal, non-religious templates are a bit difficult to come by.
craig [email] said at 2:46 PM 03-18-2004: I am also a mister of the Universal Life Chursh, although I have lost my certificate. Maybe I can preside over some marriages...
shelly [email] said at 3:21 PM 03-18-2004: laws vary from state to state. here is the law where i am:
Requirements:
Both parties must be 18 years or older
A witness is not required
If you're divorced, the divorce must be final and filed before applying for the license
No blood test, identification, birth certificates or divorce papers are required.
Washington State law requires a 3-day waiting period before the marriage license becomes valid. This means that you must wait at least three full days after the application is filed before the marriage ceremony can be performed. The license is valid for only 60 days. The marriage ceremony must be performed before the 60-day expiration of the license.
By State law, any minister or priest of any church or religious denomination, and any Washington State judges and justices can perform the marriage ceremony.
jpr said at 5:10 AM 03-19-2004: You're from Canada too right? In what province is this 1 day course thing? Do you have more info? (like a link?) I have a friend who wants to do this soon.
Woody said at 12:32 AM 03-22-2004: Well, I did a little research. In Alberta (me) you can become a temporary commissioner. No training required. That must be what my boss did.
Or, you can become permanent, again no training, but there must be a need for your services the way I read it.
Chipper said at 9:29 AM 03-21-2004: That is such a great idea! I hope you can get out there and marry as many people as you can. I am an athiest so religious demomiations are somthing I avoid, but in this case I am all for it.
