The California Supreme Court says people have the fundamental right to marry the person of their choice, but the San Diego County Clerk doesn't believe those in his office should be required to implement the law.
Gregory Smith is considering excusing clerks in his office who have a personal objection to same-sex marriages from officiating at the ceremonies. It's a choice that should not be offered.
It's unlikely that Smith would allow workers to excuse themselves from duty if they objected to the race of those seeking to be married. He wouldn't allow them to discriminate if they found the applicants' religion objectionable or if the clerk's religious teaching prohibited second marriages.
The only rule that matters is the rule of law. Allowing public employees to pick and choose their duties based on personal beliefs only institutionalizes bias and makes it seem acceptable.
-- Jim Grinstead
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