News (USA)

North Carolina magistrate refuses to officiate marriages of same-sex couples

North Carolina magistrate refuses to officiate marriages of same-sex couples

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. — A state magistrate in Pasquotank County, N.C., could face disciplinary action after refusing to marry two men following the end of North Carolina’s gay marriage ban.

TownMapsUSA
TownMapsUSA

Magistrate Gary Littleton declined on Monday to perform the couple’s civil ceremony, citing his religious views that marriage should be between one man and one woman.

Littleton’s position conflicts with orders issued by the state Administrative Office of the Courts that all judicial personnel accommodate same-sex couples just as they would heterosexual couples following last week’s ruling by a federal judge striking down the prohibition.

Under state law, a magistrate who fails to perform his or her legal duties can face removal or suspension.

State courts spokeswoman Sharon Gladwell says she is not aware of any other magistrates who have refused to marry same-sex couples.

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