THE LARGEST PROTESTANT church in the USA with 1.8 million members has decided to conduct same-sex weddings.

Decades of debate have raged in the Presbyterian denomination which has now endorsed same-sex ceremonies following approval by most regional districts. Gay pastors, elders and deacons are already allowed in the Church.

But clergy will not be forced to preside over the new ceremonies starting from June 21.

The Church’s new policy reads: “Marriage involves a unique commitment between two people, traditionally a man and a woman, to love and support each other for the rest of their lives.”