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