NC Magistrates Resigning Over Same-Sex Marriages

Some magistrates in North Carolina are choosing to resign rather than perform same-sex marriages.

Rockingham County Magistrate John Kallam, Jr. said carrying out gay marriages would violate his religious beliefs and "would desecrate a holy institution established by God himself."

Kallam's last day will be Oct. 31.

Swain County Magistrate Gilbert Breedlove expressed the same sentiments, telling WTVD that marrying gay and lesbian couples violates his religious beliefs.

Breedlove's last day will be Oct. 20.

The resignations come one day after North Carolina magistrates were ordered to perform civil marriages for same-sex couples or face suspension or dismissal. The directive came after Elizabeth City Magistrate Gary Littleton refused to conduct gay marriages.

Chief District Court Judge Christopher Bean said that if Littleton keeps refusing to issue same-sex marriage licenses, he must resign or face removal.