NC gay marriage ban faces uncertain future

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — North Carolina’s attorney general has decided to stop fighting for the state’s gay marriage ban. This comes after a federal appeals court ruled that Virginia’s same-sex marriage ban is unconstitutional.

The North Carolina attorney general says there’s no argument left to be made. Roy Cooper has been an avid opponent of North Carolina’s same-sex marriage ban, but as attorney general has defended it.

“Our attorneys have vigorously defended North Carolina’s marriage law, which is their job, but today we know our law almost surely will be overturned as well,” Cooper said Monday. “Simply put, it’s time to stop making arguments we will lose, and instead move forward, knowing that the ultimate resolution will likely come from the United States Supreme Court.”

Activists here in Wilmington say they are thrilled.

“Ecstatic at the speed with which the tide has been turning,” said Ryan Burris, President of Cape Fear Equality, “not only regionally, or here in North Carolina, but nationally as well.”

The North Carolina Values Coalition responded to the decision today.

“It is outrageous that federal judges put themselves in the place of God by seeking to redefine the very institution that He created,” said Tami Fitzgerald, North Carolina Values Coalition Executive Director. “Two judges sitting in Richmond have erroneously found a ‘fundamental right’ to same-sex marriage, thus overriding the will of the people of Virginia, who voted to pass their marriage amendment by 57 percent to 43 percent.”

As it stands North Carolina’s ban remains the same.