Local authority staff who have religious objections to performing marriage ceremonies for same-sex couples should retain the right to refuse to do so, says Education Minister Marja van Bijsterveldt.

The minister made the remark during a Lower House debate on equal opportunities policy.

The exemption was introduced when same-sex marriages were legalised ten years ago. Ms Van Bijsterveldt said it was up to the local authority in which a marriage is taking place to solve the problem, perhaps simply by asking another member of staff to perform the ceremony.

The matter was raised last week when Amsterdam city council expressed the view that council staff should not be entitled to refuse to perform same-sex marriages. Two council staff in the city apparently make use of the right.

(gsh)

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