Help me out here. Two women we know got married by their minister. In the US people have the freedom of religious belief. They are married in the eyes of their church. The government does not recognize the marraige. Are they married or not?
Help me out here.
I'll try.
Two women we know got married by their minister.
OK, I'm with you so far. BTW, I hope all 4 newlyweds (the two women and their two husbands) are enjoying married life.
In the US people have the freedom of religious belief.
Certainly. The first amendment guarantees that the government can't coerce us to join any particular religion, and it is also supposed to guarantee that we can practice our religion as we see fit, and the government can't actively prohibit us from practicing our religion freely. That last point seems to be seriously misunderstood by the courts, though.
They are married in the eyes of their church.
They certainly are. Their husbands are married in the eyes of their church, too.
The government does not recognize the marraige.
I don't understand. The government should recognize both marriages. Which marriage isn't recognized by the government?
Are they married or not?
Both women are married. Both of their husbands are also married. There are two married couples here. What's the problem?