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San Diego County Workers May be Excused from Gay Weddings

Workers in the San Diego County clerk's office who object to same-sex marriages may be excused from officiating at gay weddings.

Workers in the San Diego County clerk's office who object to same-sex marriages may be excused from officiating at gay weddings.

County Clerk Gregory Smith says he is considering allowing his employees to opt out of the ceremonies for religious or moral reasons.

The California Supreme Court last week overturned the state's ban on same-sex marriages, meaning county clerks will be required to perform marriages for gay couples starting next month.

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Smith says no employees have asked so far to be excused from officiating at the ceremonies, but he wants to respect those with strong beliefs.

Smith says he doesn't think it's correct "to force employees to do it, and I don't think you would want someone who is hostile to your beliefs performing your ceremony."