Episcopalians vote to allow weddings for same-sex couples

Episcopalians voted overwhelmingly Wednesday to allow religious weddings for same-sex couples, solidifying the church’s embrace of gay rights that began more than a decade ago with the pioneering election of the first openly gay bishop.

The vote came in Salt Lake City at the Episcopal General Convention, just days after the U.S. Supreme Court legalized gay marriage nationwide. It passed in the House of Deputies, the voting body of clergy and lay participants. The House of Bishops had approved it Tuesday by 129-26 with five abstaining.

Under the new rules, clergy can decline to perform the ceremonies.

The measures take effect the first Sunday of Advent, Nov. 29.

– Associated Press