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A pansexual at the LGBTQIA+ pride parade

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Both of North Carolina’s US Senators signed onto the “Respect for Marriage Act” legislation that would codify the recognition of same-sex marriages.

The amendment:

• Protects all religious liberty and conscience protections available under the

Constitution or Federal law, including but not limited to the Religious

Freedom Restoration Act, and prevents this bill from being used to diminish

or repeal any such protection.

• Confirms that non-profit religious organizations will not be required to

provide any services, facilities, or goods for the solemnization or celebration

of a marriage.

• Guarantees that this bill may not be used to deny or alter any benefit, right,

or status of an otherwise eligible person or entity – including tax-exempt

status, tax treatment, grants, contracts, agreements, guarantees, educational

funding, loans, scholarships, licenses, certifications, accreditations, claims, or

defenses – provided that the benefit, right, or status does not arise from a

marriage.

• For instance, a church, university, or other nonprofit’s eligibility for taxexempt status is unrelated to marriage, so its status would not be

affected by this legislation.

• Makes clear that the bill does not require or authorize the federal

government to recognize polygamous marriages.

• Recognizes the importance of marriage, acknowledges that diverse beliefs

and the people who hold them are due respect, and affirms that couples,

including same-sex and interracial couples, deserve the dignity, stability, and

ongoing protection of marriage

Proponents say the bill “does not require or authorize the federal government to recognize polygamous marriages.” However, it’s unclear how the courts can limit the redefinition of marriage to discriminate against marriage with more than two people.

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