Following an incident on Tuesday where a couple in North Carolina was denied a same-sex marriage by a magistrate, the state has issued a directive to the courts. The initial event sparked a strong response, with frustration and outrage from both sides, but the lasting effects of this order could lead to resignations or legal action.
On Tuesday, at a courthouse in Pasquotank County, Magistrate Gary Littleton refused to perform a marriage ceremony for a couple seeking his services. He said that because both parties were men, to do so would violate his religious beliefs.
An uproar emerged online, with many expressing respect for Littleton’s decision to defend his faith and beliefs, while others argued that the magistrate should have prioritized his job duties and the U.S. Constitution. There were accusations of ‘abomination’ and ‘bigot’ thrown around online, along with discussions about whether the man deserved to be fired, imprisoned, condemned, or awarded a medal.
On Wednesday, though, the local district addressed the issue, saying, according to the Gaston Gazette, that the magistrate would not face any disciplinary action for refusing to marry the same-sex couple. The couple in question say they have no intention of filing a formal complaint.
However, according to WISTV, the incident has spurred the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts into motion, leading them to issue a memo Wednesday afternoon.
Pamela Best, counsel for that agency,firmly warned all state magistrates in her letter that they have a duty to uphold the law, and that to deny a marriage to a couple with a valid marriage license would be a violation of oath of office. It would further, under the current ruling and law, violate the Constitution, the letter warns.
Further refusals to perform magistrate duties, including same-sex marriages, could result in dismissals, suspensions, or even misdemeanor charges.
[photo credit: laverrue]