Coronavirus Update #1
Rapidly Changing Situation
Updated 3/31/2020
We are facing unprecedented times. The collective good of our community, and our country, depends on the actions of the individual. We must Flatten The Curve. At this critical juncture, our movement – or lack of movement will determine how the coronavirus spreads. The gravity of the situation is clear. Governors are taking drastic measures, ordering the closure of municipal offices and dining-in establishments. Some wedding venues have taken the initiative to reschedule bookings.
JPus’ previous member support article is already outdated. It was written with the expectation that we would be able to continue to perform weddings, albeit on a smaller scale. We now must look beyond our own desires, or those of our couples, and think about the common good.
For now, we at the Justice of the Peace Association encourage all officiants to work with their couples to reschedule ceremonies. Even our previously suggested social distancing options seem unwise.
If a couple is determined to move forward, and the officiant is willing, consider an outdoor spot, with just the couple and officiant. Perhaps a fourth person to video or livestream the event. Of course, everyone should be healthy, and all parties should follow the CDC guidelines, including maintaining the six-foot rule (except for the couple).
We hope that these extreme measures will be short-lived. But until this crisis is under control, let’s err on the side of caution and defer to the experts. We should all heed the health policy leaders’ advice and stay home.
Be well and safe,
Loretta Jay
Managing Member
Related Links
★ More officiant related support on JPus’ coronavirus landing page
★ Be a part of the coronavirus-management conversation with fellow officiants in JPus’ members-only Facebook group
★ Virtual happy hour, Friday, April 3, 2020 at 6:00pm EST. Members only Zoom networking and Q&A
★ Follow JPus’ Facebook page for related news and updates
Webinar for Officiants
Spotting Signs of Forced & Child Marriage & Human Trafficking – The Role of Marriage Officiants in the United States
Webinar: April 7, 2020, 12:00 – 1:00 pm EST
The first-of-its-kind training for officiants to recognize marriages where there are victims. Marriage officiants are on the front lines of child marriage, forced marriage and human trafficking. Learn the signs, and know what to do if encountered. Learn more and register for our webinar.
NH lay officiant bill fiscally flawed
Ways and Means Committee Hearing
JPus continued its opposition New Hampshire’s House Bill 1599, which would permit special marriage officiants. The House Ways and Means Committee will consider testimony on the bill on March 4, 2020. As a result, JPus presented testimony to all members of the Committee. Read more.
Maine raises age to wed
Children must be 16 to marry in Maine
Not quite what we were hoping for, but a step in the right direction. The minimum age to marry in Maine is now 16. Prior to this new law going into effect on January 1, 2020, any child, no matter how young, was allowed to marry if their parent and a probate judge approved.
- Read more about JPus’ work to end child marriage
- Stay current with other changes to marriage laws
MA – Call to Action
End Child Marriage in Massachusetts – Call to Action
Last summer’s bill to end child marriage is now in the Massachusetts House Ways and Means Committee. Follow our step-by-step guide to contact your legislators and let them know why you oppose child marriage.
Read more about it here.