Tennessee Ministers Barred From Performing Marriages Can Sue

Tennessee officials must face claims by ministers who were ordained online that the state law that prohibits them from performing marriages violates their First Amendment rights, the Sixth Circuit said.

Universal Life Church Monastery Storehouse ordains online in minutes anyone who wants to become a minister. But Tennessee law only allows “regular” ministers, who were ordained through “considered, deliberate, and responsible” acts to solemnize marriages. The law specifically says persons “receiving online ordinations may not solemnize the rite.”

The church and several ministers from Tennessee sued state officials, saying the law violates their religious and free speech rights, and sought ...