"Militant homosexual activists do not want equal rights; they want superior rights, where their rights to same-sex weddings trump the constitutional rights of Christian magistrates and business owners,"
Raleigh, NC - Today, Liberty Counsel will go to court to defend North Carolina magistrates who are being forced to officiate same-sex "weddings," despite deeply held religious beliefs. Our clients must choose to abandon their religion or face suspension, termination, fines, or prosecution.
"While the federal court orders require that Defendants make marriage licenses and marriage ceremonies available to same-sex couples, they do not require that every magistrate in the state be compelled to perform such ceremonies under threat of suspension, termination or even criminal prosecution," Liberty Counsel's lawsuit points out. "Any number of accommodations can be made for magistrates who object to issuing marriage licenses for a same-sex union," said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel. Today Liberty Counsel is asking the state court for emergency protection for any magistrate who refuses to issue a marriage license to a same-sex couple.
"Militant homosexual activists do not want equal rights; they want superior rights, where their rights to same-sex weddings trump the constitutional rights of Christian magistrates and business owners," said Mat Staver. The North Carolina Constitution provides, "All persons have a natural and inalienable right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences, and no human authority shall, in any case whatever, control or interfere with the rights of conscience."
"This case reveals the conflicts erupting across the United States as intolerant activists impose their will on the majority of Americans who refuse to participate in same-sex unions," said Staver. "The same-sex marriage agenda threatens religious liberty and freedom of conscience. Although it is full of rhetoric about tolerance and equal rights, the agenda is anything but tolerant," Staver added. "Christians and people of faith and values have been silenced through 'hate speech' laws. Now, magistrates, pastors, bakers, photographers, business owners, event planners, and others are being forced against their will to celebrate and assist in something against their deeply held religious beliefs."
Liberty Counsel is an international nonprofit, litigation, education, and policy organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of life, and the family since 1989, by providing pro bono assistance and representation on these and related topics.
