News (USA)

Five percent of North Carolina magistrates file marriage recusals

Five percent of North Carolina magistrates file marriage recusals
Senator Phil Berger
Senator Phil Berger

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The number of North Carolina magistrates recusing themselves from performing civil marriages under a new law has more than doubled in recent weeks.

The state court system says it’s received 32 notices from magistrates since the law took effect June 11. That’s up from 14 in early July and represents nearly 5 percent of the state’s magistrates. The law exempts court officials with sincerely held religious beliefs opposing gay marriage.

The law also gave the recusal option to some register of deeds workers issuing marriage licenses. Elected officials would perform the duties as a last resort.

Sen. Phil Berger sponsored the bill. Berger says the law is probably preventing situations like the one in Kentucky, where a clerk has refused to issue licenses. Utah has a similar recusal law.

© 2015, Associated Press, All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Don't forget to share:

Support vital LGBTQ+ journalism

Reader contributions help keep LGBTQ Nation free, so that queer people get the news they need, with stories that mainstream media often leaves out. Can you contribute today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated

New plan targets health care bias against transgender people

Previous article

BREAKING: Judge orders defiant Kentucky clerk to jail

Next article