Premier Ralph Klein has announced Alberta would reluctantly recognize same-sex marriage, but is adding new legislative protection for anyone who opposes it on moral or religious grounds.

"We will proceed to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, much to our chagrin, following proclamation of the federal Civil Marriage Act," Klein said in a press conference in Calgary Tuesday.

"We will develop legislative options to ensure the rights of religious officials and those Albertans who hold social or cultural beliefs or values, whether religious or non-religious," Klein said after meeting with his cabinet.

"No one will be required to advocate, promote or teach about marriage in a way that conflicts with their beliefs."

In other words, Alberta will allow same-sex marriage but not force ministers or marriage commissioners to perform the ceremonies if they don't want to.

That goes slightly further than Bill C-38, which also offers protection for those who oppose same-sex marriage, but only on the basis of religious beliefs.

Keith Purdy, who was refused a marriage license in Alberta just days after Ottawa opened the doors to gay marriage in Canada, told CTV News it was "a great day for human rights in Alberta."

Alberta's Conservative government has long opposed same-sex marriage and said it would use every legal option to fight it. However, Mr. Klein has now conceded that after consulting with his legal advisers, "our chances of winning are virtually none."

Alberta New Democrat leader Brian Mason had previously called the Klein Government "Neanderthals when it comes to this issue."

The Civil Marriage Act has passed in Parliament and is now before the Senate. Same-sex civil ceremonies are already allowed in all provinces except Alberta and Prince Edward Island. P.E.I. has indicated it will also start performing the marriages.