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From: Jane Ilton
Sent: Thursday, November 2, 2017 10:49 AM
To: 'scrutinypanel@gov.je' <scrutinypanel@gov.je> Subject: Marriage Law in Jersey
Dear Members of the Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel,
I am sending this in response to the Scrutiny Panel's call for evidence of concern over the Law concerning same-sex marriage, and would like to submit my concern over the proposed changes to the Marriage Laws. Most specifically at this time, when it seems evident that the changes will be accepted by the States, I object on the grounds that there are no provisions in the proposed changes which would protect private citizens, government employees or businesses who feel unable to participate in same-sex marriage on grounds of conscience.
I would also endorse the comments which are being made by Rev. Martyn Shea on behalf of the Jersey Evangelical Alliance and Church members.
In communities where same-sex marriage laws have been passed without appropriate protection for conscientious objectors, individuals and businesses have been targeted and intimidated simply because they choose to live by their moral convictions and cannot participate in a same-sex wedding. These convictions can't be written-off lightly because they are shared by billions of people around the world and are articulated in nearly every major faith traditionincluding that of the established Church here in Jersey.
In advance of this enormous change to the definition of marriage being passed by the Jersey States, I strongly recommend that better protections for conscientious objectors should be sought, debated and passed for those who hold sincere moral and religious convictions which prevent them from being able to take part in the ceremony or celebrations of same-sex marriages.
Thank you for the work you do for this Island, and for your time and generosity in considering my views at this time.
With my regards, Jane Ilton.
Rev Jane Ilton Non-Stipendiary Minister, St Mark's Church, Jersey