News (USA)

S.C. lawmaker wants to protect officials for refusing same-sex marriage licenses

S.C. lawmaker wants to protect officials for refusing same-sex marriage licenses

COLUMBIA, S.C. — A South Carolina state Senator is proposing legislation to protect people employed in probate or clerk or court offices from liability or punishments if they object to granting same-sex marriage licenses based on their religious beliefs.

Lee Bright
Lee Bright

State Sen. Lee Bright (R-Spartanburg) pre-filed the legislation Wednesday, according to WLTX-TV.

“At the end of the day I want to know I did all I could, and I think it’s something we need to do to protect these judges so they can serve in these honorable positions without feeling like they betrayed their faith,” said Bright.

After a federal judge struck down South Carolina’s ban on same-sex marriage last month, state officials unsuccessfully sought a postponement by a federal appeals court.

That request was rejected on November 18, and two days later the U.S. Supreme Court also refused to block same-sex marriages in the state.

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