The Humanist Hour #226: Galen Broaddus and Nick Little on the Illinois Secular Celebrant Victory

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The easiest way to be allowed to perform wedding ceremonies recognized by most U.S. states is to be a member of the clergy of a religion, even a fake religion like the Universal Life Church. For several years now, activists across the nation have been challenging statutes on marriage solemnization as discriminating on the basis of religion. A couple of weeks ago, an activist in Illinois and the Center for Inquiry won another victory in this battle.

This week, we talk to Galen Broaddus, now the first Secular Celebrant in the state of Illinois, about his multi-year journey to see this law changed. We also talk to Nick Little, Legal Director for CFI, about the legal strategy employed in this case and about what others working to change their state laws should do.

Galen and Nick’s links:

• Galen’s Secular Celebrant page
• Galen’s Blog, Across Rivers Wide
• Galen on Twitter
• Contact Nick Little at CFI
• “District Judge Rules Secular Celebrants Can Solemnize Marriages in Illinois“