BILL 37

An Act to Amend the Marriage Act

Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick, enacts as follows:

1 The Marriage Act, chapter M-3 of the Revised Statutes, 1973, is amended by adding after section 12 the following:

12.1 Notwithstanding any other Act, a person who is authorized to solemnize marriage under this Act may refuse to solemnize a marriage that is not in accordance with that person's religious beliefs.

12.2 The Minister of Justice may appoint such deputy clerks under subsection 69(1) of the Judicature Act as the Minister considers necessary to ensure that there is adequate access to the service of solemnization of marriage in each judicial district.

2 This Act comes into force on a day to be fixed by proclamation.