RALEIGH, N.C. — The vote to overturn Gov. Pat McCrory's veto of a controversial same-sex marriage bill came quickly and decisively in Raleigh Thursday morning, but it did not stop the debate.
"I just would like to personally apologize to all of the gay and lesbian couples in North Carolina for the actions (of the Legislature)," a representative from Greensboro opposed to the bill said moments before the speaker told him he was out of order.
The objection coming after a quick vote with no debate summed up response to the override, which would allow magistrates in North Carolina to opt out of performing same-sex marriages in civil ceremonies if their religious views don't support it.
McCrory quickly issued a statement saying in part, "While some people inside the beltline are focusing on symbolic issues, I remain focused on the issues that are going to have the greatest impact on the next generation such as creating jobs."
Later Dr. Mark Harris, a conservative Republican and leader of Charlotte's First Baptist Church, suggested the governor is out of touch with voters on the issue.
"There was a great outcry and a feeling of being disenfranchised by the citizens of the state, and I think the governor needs to recognize that," Harris said.
"This is really a battle that's been brought to us and we're just standing for religious freedom."
Supporters of same-sex marriage say the vote is sending the wrong message to people outside the state.
"This kind of legislation is wrong for North Carolina. It hurts people," said Matt Hirschy of Equality North Carolina.
Hirschy said it looks bad to companies or individuals looking to relocate to the state and he suggested the group may look for ways to challenge the law in court.
"We're not going to just take it on the chin and just sit here -- I'll be honest with you," Hirschy said.
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