McCrory speaks at Wilmington energy summit, discusses latest gay marriage fight

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Gov. Pat McCrory came to Wilmington Thursday to speak at the Coastal Energy Summit at the Wilmington Convention Center, but the governor was also asked about the latest developments in the fight for and against gay marriage in North Carolina.

The event aimed to highlight the state’s potential for offshore oil and natural gas exploration. A study suggests the Port of Wilmington will play a major role if that happens.

“We need to make informed decisions,” solar energy advocate John Morrison said. “All of us need to participate in the conversation about energy and make choices that work for all of us.”

Several companies involved in the energy industry were in attendance.

“We discussed the complexities of energy and the need for energy and the need for our countries independence from especially the Middle East at this point in time,” McCrory said.

Two protesters were removed from the building for speaking out in the middle of McCrory’s speech.

“There’s plenty of impoverished people in the gulf shore that did not see a penny of those oil profits,” one protester yelled.

But while McCrory discussed energy solutions for our coast, Republican leaders in Raleigh were fighting back against gay marriage.

House speaker Thom Tillis and senate leader Phil Berger say they will file motions seeking to intervene in legal challenges to the state’s gay marriage ban.

We asked the governor his thoughts on this controversial issue.

“I’ll respect the final ruling on the courts, which I am sworn to uphold on any other issue, including the marriage issue,” McCrory said.

Earlier this week though, McCrory said he strongly disagreed with the court’s decision.

“I think that is atrocious, and it’s just gross bigotry,” protester Matthew Duffy said.

Even with the decision on gay marriage in our state in limbo, new marriage licenses in the Port City have already been prepared.

Citizens are also prepared for what looks to be the future of North Carolina.

“The American population, citizens have overwhelmingly supported gay marriage. It’s coming, and I’m thrilled that we are going to have it,” protester Susanne Werner said.

Film industry supporters also gathered outside to protest what they say is the governor’s lack of support for the industry.