30 NC Magistrates Refuse Gay Marriages Without Jail Time
More than 30 magistrates in North Carolina have refused to perform weddings. But thanks to a new state law, they were able to do so legally.
Right after the Supreme Court legalized gay marriage in June, the state passed a law allowing officials to opt out of performing all marriages.
The law exempts court officials with a “sincerely held religious objection” and is designed for those opposing gay marriage.
The law’s original sponsor, Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger, said it’s probably preventing situations like the one in Kentucky.
“It’s keeping folks from having to choose between their job and their religious beliefs. I think that’s important,” he said.
Berger said so far the law hasn’t caused any problems.
“I think the law is working very well,” he said.
Only Utah has a similar law.
