Two lawmakers said they respect the decision of two individuals who exchanged vows last week in the CNMI\u2019s first same-sex marriage ceremony.<\/p>\n
But Senate President Victor B. Hocog (Ind-Rota) said he is not sure \u201chow the community will react.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis same sex-sex [marriage] is a choice of the individual, and we have to respect that choice. My only concern is whether our community can accept it,\u201d Hocog said.<\/p>\n
The lawmaker cited the long religious tradition of the CNMI and its adherence to the Catholic faith.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is an issue of sentiment or value on our beliefs as Catholics. For me, I respect the individual choice,\u201d Hocog said, but pointed out that it goes against religious teachings.<\/p>\n
Sen. Steve Mesngon (R-Rota) echoed Hocog\u2019s comments, saying it is a \u201cdemocratic system\u201d and that he also respect the individual choices of members of the community.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe come from a religious community, but I do respect the court ruling,\u201d Mesngon said, adding that he grew up in a Catholic society where family is tied with tradition.<\/p>\n
\u201cI respect any individual on that choice, I can\u2019t go against that,\u201d Mesngon said.<\/p>\n
Saipan Mayor David Apatang officiated the same-sex marriage rites between two women at his office last week.<\/p>\n
Henry Hofschneider, adviser of Apatang, confirmed that the mayor presided over the rites of the two women, who were of Chinese descent.<\/p>\n
The identities of the two women were not made public.<\/p>\n
In June, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of same-sex marriage, saying it is a right guaranteed under the equal protection clause of the law, and that the ruling compels all states and territories to follow.<\/p>\n
CNMI Attorney General Edward Manibusan has issued a memorandum addressed to all authorized officials who can perform marriage ceremonies on the Commonwealth. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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