GOP-led Senators in North Carolina quickly overrode their Republican governor’s veto of an anti-gay marriage “religious freedom” for state magistrates bill.
It took almost no time at all for Republican Senators in North Carolina to override Thursday’s veto from Governor Pat McCrory of a bill that would allow magistrates to refuse to marry same-sex couples for deeply held religious beliefs. SB2 gives special rights to state magistrates, allowing them to opt-out of marrying same-sex couples by opting-out of officiating at all weddings, so as to not appear discriminatory.
The Senate had passed SB2 in February, and the House passed it last week.Â
Tonight, Senators overrode the veto in a 32-16 vote, the same margin as they had passed the bill, as Q Notes’ Matt Comer first reported tonight. He adds that the NC House could take up the bill Tuesday or Wednesday.
“Civil servants have rights, too,† Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger said, according to Q Notes. “The government should respect those rights. Just because someone takes a job with the government does not mean they give up their rights… or their ability to act on their beliefs.â€
In vetoing the legislation last week, Governor McCrory cited the U.S. Constitution, stating “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.”Â
Response on social media to tonight’s override was quick and strong:
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Image of tonight’s North Carolina Senate floor by Derick Waller WNCN via Twitter