HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES-2015-018 Resolution urging the General Assembly to reject any legislation that seeks to exempt any government employee or agent from fulfilling their contitutional duties R ES-2015-018
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Whereas Orange County,North Carolina, is a community dedicated to the principles of equality, non-
discrimination, and full inclusion and engagement by any resident in the civil rights, benefits and
privileges of all residents; and
Whereas, legal rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals have determined
that the denial of equal rights for same-sex residents of North Carolina is unconstitutional, and that
those residents have the right to marry; and
Whereas, in the wake of these rulings, the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts, has
determined that the state's judicial magistrates, who are bound by their oath of office to "support the
Constitution of the United States," cannot deny any same sex couple their constitutional rights to due
process and equal protection by refusing such couples the right to marry; and
Whereas, members of the General Assembly have asserted that requiring magistrates to fulfill their
statutory duties consistent with their oath to support the Constitution of the United States may
conflict with an individual's personal beliefs; and
Whereas members of the General Assembly are considering legislation to exempt magistrates from
fulfilling their statutory duties to comply with the U.S. Constitution, and to discriminate against
same-sex couples seeking to marry; and
Whereas such legislation will violate the constitutional rights of our residents, and once again
institutionalize discrimination and division through the laws of our state; and
Whereas, we respect the sincerely held religious beliefs of our residents, but are committed to the
fundamental constitutional principle of the separation of Church and State, and insist, as James
Madison wrote, that"The civil rights of none shall be abridged on account of religious belief."
NOW THEREFORE be it resolved:
That the Orange County Board of Commissioners is opposed to, and urges the General Assembly to
reject any legislation, that seeks to exempt any government employee or agent from fulfilling their
constitutional duties, including but not limited to guaranteeing the right to marry for same-sex
residents of North Carolina; and
Be it further resolved:
That the Orange County Board of Commissioners deeply opposes discrimination, prejudice, and
homophobia, and supports preserving and protecting the constitutional rights and equal treatment of
all residents; and
Be it further resolved:
That, if this discriminatory legislation should pass, the Orange County Board of Commissioners
directs the County Manager and County Attorney to collaborate with other governmental entities and
community partners to directly participate in any litigation seeking to challenge such legislation.
This the 17th Day of March 2015.
Earl McKee, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners