Happening now, North Carolina’s House of Representatives is debating SB#2, a magistrates recusal bill which would allow public officials to opt out of marrying same-sex couples if they have “sincerely held religious” objections to same-sex marriage. The bill cleared a house panel earlier today which allowed it to reach the floor for debate.

WRAL reports:

A House judiciary panel agreed Wednesday to give the option to magistrates and some registers of deeds employees, but they would have to stop performing marriage duties for all couples. […]

Civil gay marriage ceremonies started last October after federal courts struck down the state’s constitutional gay marriage ban.

Rep. Dean Arp of Monroe says the bill would balance requirements legalizing same-sex marriage with the rights of those who believe such unions are morally wrong. But Rep. Grier Martin of Raleigh says the bill would discriminate against gay couples.

You can watch the proceedings LIVE here. 

If you live in North Carolina, you can contact your legislator and make your opinion on the bill known here.