A Yolo County, Calif., clerk says she will exercise her free speech rights by giving a symbolic “certificate of inequality” to gay couples seeking to marry during a Valentine’s Day protest, the Sacramento Bee reports.

Some critics blasted the move as inappropriate; others say it reflects the conflict between Proposition 22, California’s voter-approved ballot initiative banning gay marriages, and constitutional mandates to ensure equal protection.

In Saskatchewan, a 70-year-old marriage commissioner is on trial for violating human rights rules when he refused to marry a gay couple as provided by Canadian law. His lawyer says to do so would have violated his religious beliefs.

Sources:

“Clerk protests gay marriage ban”
Sacramento Bee, February 2, 2007

“Decision reserved in case of Sask. official who refused to marry gay couple”
CBC Saskatchewan, February 2, 2007