Area registers of deeds react to Religious Freedom Law

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — A bill that allows court officials to refuse to perform gay marriage responsibilities because of their religious beliefs has become law in our state.

The North Carolina House voted Thursday to override a veto of the measure that Republican Gov. Pat McCrory had earlier vetoed.  The Senate voted to do the same a week ago. Thursday’s House vote was just over the three-fifths majority needed. The law means some register of deeds workers who assemble licenses and magistrates to solemnize civil marriages can decide to stop performing all marriages if they hold a “sincerely held religious objection.” The chief District Court judge or the county register of deeds would fill in on marriages if needed, according to WTVD.

New Hanover County Register of Deeds Tammy Beasley said this law doesn’t change anything in her office.

“It’s a non-issue in this office,” Beasley said. “Everyone in Vital Records including myself are happy to help everyone that comes through our doors.”

Kandance Bullock, the Columbus County Register of Deeds expressed similar beliefs.

“At this point we have no one in my office that’s going to recuse themselves from issuing marriage license,” Bullock said.

Register of Deeds in Bladen and Brunswick counties declined to comment on the law. Calls to the register of deeds in  Pender County have not been returned.

McCrory had said no one who takes a government oath should be allowed to avoid performing duties required by that oath.

“It’s a disappointing day for the rule of law and the process of passing legislation in North Carolina,” McCrory said. “I will continue to stand up for conservative principles that respect and obey the oath of office for public officials across our state and nation. While some people inside the beltline are focusing on symbolic issues, I remain focused on the issues that are going to have the greatest impact on the next generation such as creating jobs, building roads, strengthening education and improving our quality of life.”

According to the AP, before this law, only Utah had passed such a similar exemption, earlier this year.

(Information from the Associated Press was used in this story.)