clevelandsaplum.com

If Scotland passes proposed legislation, it's possible that a Jedi officiant, complete with brown robe and lightsaber, could stand before two lovers and say, "Dearly beloved: We have come together in the presence of the Force to witness and bless the joining together of these two people in Jedi-blessed matrimony."

The Marriage and Civil Partnership Bill (PDF) backs several other updates to marriage law, including same-sex marriage. But the BBC reports that the allowance of a Jedi-managed wedding has incensed some religious conservatives in the region. The Free Church of Scotland spoke out against the bill, which opens the door for leaders of Jedism and other movements to officiate at weddings.

Jedism isn't a joke, and actually has a bit of a following around the world partially due to the immense popularity of the epic sci-fi saga and its never-ending lore. Several groups have shed the sabers and actually practice in a structured environment -- a good example can be seen in the Temple of the Jedi Order.

According to the 2011 U.K. census, 176,632 people named their religion as Jedi, while more than 14,000 people identified themselves as such in a 2001 Scottish census.

"There are loads of people in a diverse society like this for whom belief can mean virtually anything -- the Flat Earth Society and Jedi Knights Society -- who knows? I am not saying that we don't give place to that kind of personal belief, but when you start making allowances for marriages to be performed within those categories then you are all over the place," Free Church spokesperson Rev. Iver Martin told the BBC.

According to the BBC, the Scottish government may introduce certain criteria, which was not detailed, capable of testing belief-based religions and curb any doubts about the legitimacy of Scottish marriage ceremonies. The bill goes to parliament later this year after policymakers conclude public discussion of its possible effects.