Warning: Illegal string offset 'itemurl' in /home/lutheran/www/www/admin/global_functions.inc on line 257
Interstate Commerce
Abstract: Crossing state lines to marry or to be married? Check your state's laws first.
With the Lutherans Concerned (LCNA) biennial assembly (Hearts on Fire) occurring in San Francisco on the July 4 weekend, there will be ample opportunity for same-sex Lutheran couples from all across the ELCA to cross state lines to be married. There will also be ample opportunity for Lutheran clergy from all across the ELCA to cross state lines to perform marriages for those couples.
Marriage laws vary considerably from state to state and couples traveling to California to be married would do well to investigate any limits their home state might put on recognizing marriages performed out of state. A good place to begin this research is Traveling to Another State or Country to Marry? an FAQ prepared by Lambda Legal. We especially like the Lambda Legal Safety Scale, and easy-to-use chart showing how states compare in their respect for the rights of same-sex couples.
