Marriage in Massachusetts

The Roman Catholic Church does not recognize the validity of civil marriages. Last week Governor James Michael Curley of Massachusetts, super-devout Roman Catholic, ordered justices of the peace in that State, who hold their jobs at his pleasure, to cease & desist from performing marriage ceremonies, even for Protestants. The fact that certain J. P.'s are legally empowered to mumble a few words over any couple that pays $10 did not bother the pious Governor. He declared: "This sacred ceremony should be performed only by clergymen. If any marriages are performed by justices who come before me for renewal of their commissions, their applications will be turned down."

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