North Carolina religious exemption gay marriage bill now law

north carolina gay

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – Some court officials in North Carolina can now legally refuse to perform gay marriage responsibilities because of their religious beliefs.

The North Carolina House voted June 11 to override a veto of the so called Religious Freedom bill – legislation that Republican Gov. Pat McCrory had earlier vetoed.

The Senate voted to do the same a week ago.

The House vote was just over the three-fifths majority needed.

The law means some register of deeds workers who assemble licenses and magistrates to solemnize civil marriages can decide to stop performing all marriages if they hold a “sincerely held religious objection.”

McCrory had said no one who takes a government oath should be allowed to avoid performing duties required by that oath.

He released this statement just after noon:

“It’s a disappointing day for the rule of law and the process of passing legislation in North Carolina. I will continue to stand up for conservative principles that respect and obey the oath of office for public officials across our state and nation. While some people inside the beltline are focusing on symbolic issues, I remain focused on the issues that are going to have the greatest impact on the next generation such as creating jobs, building roads, strengthening education and improving our quality of life.”

Before North Carolina, only Utah had passed such a similar exemption, earlier this year.

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