The decision was made after a long debate that ended with a vote in which 141 voted yes and 99 voted no. Four members abstained from voting, writes Dagen .
The Social Democrats have previously submitted motions stating that no new priests in the Church of Sweden should be able to say no to marrying same-sex couples, but were rejected on the grounds that the bishops' conference's line applies - all priests should marry same-sex couples of their own free will.
Ahead of this year's church council, Jesper Eneroth, group leader for S at the church council, presented a "light version" of previous proposals. A congregation or pastorate should have the right to ask a priest during a job interview whether he or she marries same-sex couples. Based on the answer, it should also be possible to deny the person the job.
