State Representative Ron Travis, a Republican, said it was impossible to determine online whether a person had the \u201ccare of souls,\u201d as the law states.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust because you pay $50 and get a certificate doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re an ordained minister,\u201d Mr. Travis said, according to WATE-TV<\/a>.<\/p>\n The opposition in Tennessee reflects a clash with a growing trend in the United States to privatize marriage<\/a> and personalize weddings by distancing them from the state or established religions.<\/p>\n Ministers ordained online can officiate at weddings in 48 states<\/a>, with the exception of Virginia and some parts of Pennsylvania, according to the Universal Life Church Monastery, which says it has ordained more than 20 million ministers nationwide. But rules can vary by county, as in New York State<\/a>.<\/p>\n Read it all<\/a>.<\/p>\n Ministers ordained online can no longer solemnize weddings in Tennessee, a new law said. A lawsuit is challenging that. https:\/\/t.co\/Z7mZp4HCGD<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NYT National News (@NYTNational) July 20, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n