NORTH CAROLINA: Magistrate Refuses To Marry Gay Couple Over Religious Beliefs

Via the Virginian-Pilot:

William Locklear and his partner showed up at the county courthouse Monday expecting to get married after 31 years together. The couple didn't get the chance. A magistrate turned them away. "He said, 'I won't be performing your marriage because of my religious beliefs,' " Locklear said. A federal judge struck down the state's gay marriage ban late Friday. Monday was the first full business day that same-sex marriages could be performed. "He has to do his job," Locklear said. "He is not there to preach to us." Pasquotank County Clerk of Superior Court Connie Thornley confirmed that a magistrate declined to perform the marriage. Magistrates must marry gay couples or risk losing their jobs, she said. "They cannot refuse," she said. The magistrate Locklear named could not be reached for comment.

The magistrate has not been named. The couple was married today by a different official. As you can see, there's a poll that needs freeping. (Tipped by JMG reader John)

UPDATE: The poll has been taken down. Good work, everybody.

UPDATE II: And the poll returns. Check out the standings! They've erased all the "No" votes.

UPDATE III: My exchange with them on Twitter.