The Netherlands' new marriage law eliminates the definition of "marriage" as a union between a man and a woman, effectively legalizing civil marriage between same-sex Dutch couples.
"Civil marriages are a civil right," she said in Philadelphia.
The ruling said that marriage laws "must be read and applied in a gender-neutral manner so as to permit same-sex couples to enter into a civil marriage".
He insists on drawing a sharp line between religious marriage and civil marriage.
I have always tried to get a little more dignity, solemnity and importance into the civil marriage ceremony.
Without it, civil marriage will be, and will be perceived to be, no more than the temporary licensing of cohabitation on an ongoing basis.
They deny the usefulness and necessity of civil marriage.
There is particular public support for the introduction of greater choice over where a civil marriage may take place.
