Republican North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory has vetoed SB 2, a bill that would have allowed magistrates to opt out of performing same-sex marriages if they have a religious objection.
Ahead of his veto McCory said, “I recognize that for many North Carolinians, including myself, opinions on same-sex marriage come from sincerely held religious beliefs that marriage is between a man and a woman. However, we are a nation and a state of laws. Whether it is the president, governor, mayor, a law enforcement officer, or magistrate, no public official who voluntarily swears to support and defend the Constitution and to discharge all duties of their office should be exempt from upholding that oath; therefore, I will veto Senate Bill 2.”
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) applauded McCrory for stopping the mean-spirited legislation.
“We’re pleased to see that the governor vetoed this needless and unfortunate legislation,” said HRC National Field Director Marty Rouse. “Officials who swear an oath to serve the public should serve the whole public without reservation. We believe the governor’s veto should be the last word on this bill, which does nothing to serve the interests of the people of North Carolina.”
According to newobserver.com, the conservative N.C. Values Coalition, which advocated for the bill, issued a stinging critique of McCrory’s decision Thursday afternoon. “Senate Bill 2 will protect the fundamental American freedom to exercise one’s religious beliefs, and it is unacceptable for any governor who calls himself ‘conservative’ to veto legislation like SB2,” spokeswoman Jessica Wood said.
