A county recorder in North Dakota has been given permission to refuse to issue same-sex marriage licenses, reports the Dickinson Press.
Stark County recorder Kathy Schwab had made a request to share the responsibility with someone else for same-sex marriage licenses, citing religious objections.
Stark County State's Attorney Tom Henning said:
“Ms. Schwab has personal, deep-seated beliefs that she says really interfere with her ability to do that kind of thing.
“She's asking that the board exercises authority to appoint a substitute official in instances of applications for marriage licenses for same-sex marriages.”
Henning argued commissioners legally have the power to appoint other county officials, adding he didn't see any reason why the deputy recorder, Kim Kasian, couldn't be chosen to issue licenses to gay couples.
Henning confirmed to Commissioner Duane “Bucky” Wolf that gay couples requesting a marriage license would have to wait if Kasian was not available.
As of Monday, the recorder's office said it was unaware of any requests for same-sex marriage licenses.
Earlier this month, we reported that county clerks in Kentucky cited religious beliefs in their refusal to issue marriage licenses to gay couples.