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Gaston magistrate resigns over same-sex marriage

GASTONIA, N.C. — A Gaston County magistrate is the latest to resign from his job rather than having to perform same-sex marriages.

Channel 9's partners at The Gaston Gazette reported Bill Stevenson resigned his job on Oct. 16, one day before he was to return to work as part of his regular seven-day shift.

Stevenson referenced on Monday a biblical passage from Romans 13, which says Christians should respect the authority of government. But, he added, his faith would not allow him to do his job.

Media reports say at least six magistrates have left their jobs since a federal judge declared North Carolina's ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional.

The Administrative Office of the Courts has said any magistrates who refuse to heed the recent federal court ruling are violating their oaths and could face dismissal.