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14 NC magistrates use recusal law focusing on gay marriage

Same-sex marriage supporters shout slogans in front of the US Supreme Court on March 26, 2013 in Washington, DC. The US Supreme Court on Tuesday takes up the emotionally charged issue of gay marriage as it considers arguments that it should make history and extend equal rights to same-sex couples. Waving US and rainbow flags, hundreds of gay marriage supporters braved the cold to rally outside the court along with a smaller group of opponents, some pushing strollers. Some slept outside in hopes of witnessing the historic hearing. AFP PHOTO/Jewel Samad (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — About 2 percent of North Carolina's magistrates have officially recused themselves from performing marriages since the legislature passed a law last month responding to gay marriages becoming legal in the state last October.

A state court system spokeswoman said late Tuesday that it had received notices through Monday from 14 magistrates citing a "sincerely held religious objection." They are prohibited from performing civil marriages — for both straight and gay couples — for at least six months. There are more than 670 magistrates statewide.

The court system considers the magistrates' names and their notices part of their personnel files and confidential.

The law took effect June 11 after the legislature overrode Gov. Pat McCrory's veto. Some county registers of deeds workers also can recuse themselves from issuing marriage licenses.

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