What's happening
This bill prohibits internet-ordained ministers from solemnizing marriages in New York, though prior marriages remain valid.
Why it matters
Limits who can officiate weddings. By barring internet-ordained ministers from performing marriages, the bill effectively restricts the pool of people who can legally officiate weddings in New York, potentially impacting couples who prefer non-traditional ceremonies.
Addresses concerns about legitimacy and oversight. The bill reflects concerns that internet ordinations might lack rigorous vetting or accountability, aiming to ensure that only those with recognized religious or civil authority can solemnize marriages.
Protects previously performed marriages. Marriages already officiated by internet-ordained ministers before the law’s effective date remain valid, preventing retroactive invalidation and legal complications for those couples.
Could affect popular wedding choices and businesses. Many couples choose friends or family ordained online to officiate; this change could impact the wedding industry and personal choices, leading to increased demand for officiants with traditional credentials.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Ban Online Ministers for Weddings
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Enacting clause stricken
- Referred to judiciary
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
8494
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
August 7, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. GALEF -- read once and referred to the Committee on Judiciary
AN ACT to amend the domestic relations law, in relation to prohibiting internet ministers to solemnize marriages
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The domestic relations law is amended by adding a new section 11-d to read as follows:
§ 11-d. Prohibition of internet-ordained ministers. No internet-ordained minister shall be authorized to solemnize any marriage. Any marriage solemnized by an internet-ordained minister prior to the effective date of this section shall be valid if such marriage meets all other necessary criteria under this article.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized to be made and completed on or before such effective date.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD13464-02-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.