Sweden's Church Assembly has voted to allow parishes to deny employment to priests unwilling to marry same-sex couples. The decision passed with 141 votes in favor and 99 against after a lengthy debate. The proposal, from Social Democrat Jesper Eneroth, is viewed as a step toward inclusion.
The Church Assembly, the Swedish Church's highest decision-making body, voted on November 19, 2025, in favor of Jesper Eneroth's (S) proposal with 141 votes for, 99 against, and four abstentions. The proposal allows parishes and pastorates to ask priests during job interviews if they perform same-sex marriages and deny employment based on the answer. It is a milder version of previous Social Democratic motions rejected on grounds of the bishops' meeting line favoring voluntary marriages.
Eneroth expressed joy over the decision: "It was a very good and happy feeling in the body when this issue finally went through and moreover with such great unity." He has worked for the change for ten years and emphasizes that all priests should be prepared for such ceremonies, aligning with the bishops' meeting's wish.
Opponents like priest Hans Weichbrodt (FK) referred to the church councils' 2009 statement, when same-sex marriage was legalized, stating that views on ceremonies should not affect employment. "Which means that we also have a place in the church for those who fully believe that marriage was instituted between man and woman," he said.
Johannes Fransson (S), chair of Queerisk, welcomed the proposal, stating that resources for inclusion are well spent. Priest Johanna Andersson (Posk) shared personal experiences of absent marriages but expressed concerns about priest shortages and new demands on parishes.