One of the Austin Baptist churches is advertising on KASE-FM (the local country music radio station) that, if a couple considering marriage takes their pre-marriage class, the couple will receive a free marriage license.
Why does this make me feel uneasy? I'm all in favour of people having some sort of counselling before they get married. Somebody needs to get couples talking about the stuff that couples don't usually talk about, like money, and kids...and each other's kids...
But still...giving away a marriage license...as if it were a diploma?
Does this violate the separation of church and state?
Um, yeah. A license is supposed to be given by the state. When I got married it did require a syphillus (sic) test though lol.
ReplyDeleteThey don't do that any more. At least, not here.
ReplyDeleteUm, yeah. It kind of implies that the county is endorsing this church. The church can't guarantee a marriage license so it's false advertising at best.
ReplyDeleteCall the county clerk and ask about the free marriage license. If they try to bargain, ask for a volume discount. All we'd need is an Elvis-impersonating minister and this could be a money-making venture....
Pretty sure they dont do that here anymore either. I was married 21 years ago and never remarried.
ReplyDeleteNext time I hear the ad, I'll write down the name of the church and make some inquiries. I am assuming it's in Travis County, but it might not be.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if there is a fee for the class and if the cost of the license is some sort of rebate?
ReplyDeleteThe real question is, if you take their class, get married, and it doesn't work...will they pay for the divorce too? That's a -much- better deal. ;)
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