What Clergy Should Do to Reduce Potential Legal Abuses in Same-Sex Relationships

Abstract

ABSTRACT Caring religious professionals who choose to perform same-sex commitment ceremonies should strongly encourage same-sex couples to retain competent counsel(s) to draft legal documents that will afford each partner certain legal rights in case of separation, death, or incapacity. Commitment ceremonies provide important ritual, religious, and spiritual moments. However, in the absence of legal substance, such a relationship can lead to problematic, confusing, and even appalling consequences.