NC bill Opens door to discrimination

Sarah Sharpe | Staff Writer

On Feb. 25, the North Carolina Senate passed a bill that allows magistrates and other government officials to opt out of civil marriage related duties based on sincerely held religious beliefs. The bill, SB 2, passed with a 32-16 vote and will now head to the House for debate.

SB 2 is directed at LGBT couples but could also mean the refusal of service to interracial couples, previously divorced men and women, and others unfavorably viewed through the lens of religion.

Those in favor of the bill believe it protects the right of magistrates and government officials to exercise religious freedom.

 However, this policy is rooted in prejudice and could open the door to more discriminatory policy in the future.

 If government officials are permitted to refuse their marriage related duties based on a strong religious objection, what prevents all public servants from refusing their responsibilities for the same reason?

 With this policy as precedent, I fear teachers, firefighters, and even police officers will be permitted to choose when and for whom they perform their duty. If SB 2 becomes state policy, the door will be opened to selective service, with religion pegged as the excuse for discrimination.

 Additionally, public servants have the fundamental responsibility to protect and serve the entire population, not just certain individuals.

Democratic NC Senator Josh Stein of Wake County fought adamantly against the passage of SB 2 for this very reason. “We don’t get to select whom we want to help,” said Stein during the bill’s two-hour debate, “It’s public service, not selective service.”

SB 2 denies service to tax payers, who pay the salaries of the very government officials refusing them.

Since all North Carolinians are expected to pay taxes, all North Carolinians are entitled to receive the services provided by our state government, regardless of the religious beliefs of our officials.

By allowing magistrates and government officials to deny service to some, the proposed bill excuses inequality and justifies discrimination.

I believe our children will view SB 2 with as much shame as we currently view the treatment of interracial couples 40 years ago.

Within the following weeks, the North Carolina House will decide if the proposed Senate Bill 2 will become policy. I sincerely hope they see its discriminatory nature and fight for the sanctity of our government by protecting the equal treatment of all North Carolinians.