Ohio judge takes over weddings after gay couple turned away

Toledo, Ohio (AP) — After a municipal court judge in Toledo refused to perform a same-sex wedding this week, the presiding judge says she will now perform all marriages in her courtroom.

Toledo Municipal Judge Michelle Wagner says she doesn't want to see a same-sex couple go before a judge who is not interested in conducting the ceremony. She said it is her privilege to perform those weddings.

Her decision came after her colleague, Municipal Judge C. Allen McConnell, said he didn't marry a same-sex couple earlier this week because of his religious beliefs. Another judge was brought in to perform the wedding the same day.

The court typically uses a weekly rotation of judges to perform marriages and handle other unscheduled matters. McConnell was on duty Monday when he refused to perform the wedding.

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The Gayly – July 10, 2015 @ 8:30am.