It’s all about tolerance, ya know
(Charlotte Observer) North Carolina magistrates were directed Wednesday to perform civil marriages for same-sex couples or face suspension or dismissal from their state jobs.
Pamela Weaver Best, general counsel for the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts, sent a letter to state magistrates saying they would be violating their oaths of office if they refused to marry gay or lesbian couples.
Several magistrates have refused so far, and at least one has resigned
Best said magistrates who refuse to marry gay couples face suspension or dismissal. They could also face misdemeanor criminal charges for failing to discharge their duties.
I’m torn about this, re: criminal charges. On one hand, they are failing to discharge their duties. On the other hand, government officials at all levels are constantly failing to discharge their duties. That list would go on forever. Are our borders secure? Do cities and states allow Marijuana in violation of federal law?
On the third hand, threatening prosecution, even for a misdemeanor, over religious beliefs, is typical in Progressive (nice fascist) World. Oh, and, tolerance
Equality NC, a group that advocates for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, expressed concern Wednesday that magistrates refusing to marry same-sex couples might escape punishment.
These same people were probably pretty darned upset when they could be prosecuted, or just plain hounded, over being gay. Were upset they could be fired for being gay. And they’d well within their right to be upset. Now they want to turn the shoe around and go after those who oppose gay marriage. Cause tolerance and diversity and liberals are oh so nice!
