A majority of Dutch MPs think civil servants who perform marriage ceremonies should no longer be allowed to refuse to marry same sex couples.

Geert Wilders' Freedom Party wants the law changed so that civil servants who refuse to perform ceremonies for gay couples can be dismissed.

The Green Left is pleased with the Freedom Party's decision, as the party planned to submit a motion next week forcing civil servants to marry both heterosexual and homosexuals couples. Green Left MP Ineke van Gent said, "It is good news that a majority is in favour of the Green Left motion to put an end to civil servants refusing to marry gay couples."

However, Freedom Party spokesperson Joram van Klaveren says his party will submit its own motion.

At present, civil servants with objections to same sex marriages are allowed to refuse to marry same sex couples.

(nc/jn)

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