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Terence Charlton
Dear Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel,
In response to the scrutiny panel's call for evidence, I would like to submit that I am very much against any proposed changes to the marriage laws. Specifically, because there are no provisions in the proposed changes which would protect private citizens, government employees or businesses who are conscientious objectors to same-sex marriage.
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 cannot be written – off lightly, since they are shared by billions of people around the globe and are articulated in nearly every major faith tradition- including that of the established church here in Jersey.
Before this drastic change to the definition of marriage is debated in the States, protections for conscientious objectors should be passed. I would recommend the draft language that has been published by the Christian Legal Centre. This draft language is included in the attached memorandum.
Thank you for your consideration of my views. Terence Charlton