Choosing a marriage partner is one of the most crucial choices one can make in life. Similarly, when planning a wedding, there are many factors to consider, such as cost, cultural background, religious preference, and personality.  As a result, there is no universal approach to a wedding ceremony. Research indicates that many people are moving away from traditional weddings in favor of unconventional ceremonies that better fit their needs and budgets. However, our outdated marriage ceremony laws often hinder couples from pursuing their ideal ceremonies.  In some cases, Pennsylvania county clerks' offices have questioned the validity of marriages based on the religious affiliation of the wedding officiant, including those who are ordained online.

To address this issue, I will be reintroducing legislation that allows any individual associated with a religious organization, who is authorized according to the rules of that religion, to officiate a wedding ceremony legally. The language of my bill reflects Maryland’s current law and is similar to legislation in other states, such as Hawaii, New Jersey, North Dakota, and Oregon. It is essential that we, as state representatives, protect the sanctity of these unions and uphold the religious freedom of our constituents.

I invite you to join me in advocating for this protection for individuals across the Commonwealth.