2 North Carolina magistrates resign over same-sex marriage
WENTWORTH, N.C. -- Two North Carolina magistrates have resigned, saying marrying a same-sex couple violates their religious beliefs.
Rockingham County Magistrate John Kallam Jr. sent a letter to Chief District Court Judge Fred Wilkins on Thursday saying when he took his oath of office, he didn't take it with the understanding that he would be required to marry same-sex couples.
Kallam wrote that marrying gay couples "would desecrate a holy Institution established by God Himself."
Kallam declined further comment when reached at his home Thursday afternoon.
Kallam's resignation is effective Oct. 31.
Swain County magistrate Gilbert Breedlove is also choosing to resign after saying marrying gay and lesbian couples violates his religious beliefs.
His last day on the job is Monday.
The resignations come a day after North Carolina magistrates were ordered to perform civil marriages for same-sex couples or face suspension or dismissal. The directive was issued after a magistrate in Pasquotank County refused to marry two men, citing religious objections.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
