NC Vote On Same-Sex Marriage Refusals Likely To Spark Costly Litigation

Americans United

Church-State Watchdog Group Says Vote On Same-Sex Marriage Refusals Likely To Spark Costly Litigation

The North Carolina House of Representatives today voted to override Gov. Pat McCrory’s veto and approve a bill that gives state magistrates the right to refuse service to same-sex couples and others. It’s a move the state will end up paying for in court, says Americans United for Separation of Church and State.

“By enshrining discrimination into law, North Carolina’s lawmakers just signed a full-employment act for civil liberties lawyers,” said the Rev. Barry W, Lynn, executive director of Americans United. “Unfortunately, the state’s taxpayers will be stuck with the tab.”

The state House today voted 69-41 to override McCrory’s veto and approve SB 2, legislation that gives magistrates the right to refuse to perform any marriage if they cite a religious objection. The state Senate previously voted for the override as well.

The issue will almost certainly now go to court, says Americans United.

AU and several other national organizations have been involved in litigation concerning same-sex marriage in other states. In Alabama, Americans United and its allies are representing five same-sex couples who seek to marry but have encountered resistance from probate judges. A federal court recently sided with Americans United.
 

Read the rest of this press release on au.org »
https://au.org/media/press-releases/north-carolina-legislators-will-regret-the-day-they-voted-for-religion-based


And the supposedly fiscally responsible party again finds a way to waste taxpayer money. When will they realize fighting against social justice is expensive?