WASHINGTON – Today the North Carolina State Legislature overrode Governor Pat McRory’s wise veto of SB 2. This law will allow state officials to refuse to perform legal same-sex marriages if it contradicts the official’s personal religious beliefs. In response to the passage of this bill, Rabbi Jack Moline, executive director of Interfaith Alliance, said this:

“North Carolina’s state motto is Esse Quam Videri, ‘To Be Rather Than To Seem.’ Unfortunately in the case of SB 2, the state legislature got it backward – they want to seem like they are for religious freedom, but they’re not really. Religious freedom means that officers of the government serve all equally, regardless of their personal religious ideology. Religious freedom ensures that secular law, not religious doctrine, dictates government services. It is disturbing and disheartening to see so many members of a state legislative body misunderstand our most important freedom.”

Interfaith Alliance celebrates religious freedom by championing individual rights, promoting policies that protect both religion and democracy, and uniting diverse voices to challenge extremism. Founded in 1994, Interfaith Alliance brings together members from 75 faith traditions as well as those without a faith tradition to protect faith and freedom. For more information visit interfaithalliance.org.