A woman in New York State has become the first person to resign from her job for conscience reasons after the State Senate voted to allow homosexual ‘marriage’ in New York State.
Laura Fotusky worked as a town clerk in Barker, N.Y., where part of her job is to issue marriage licenses. She has handed in her notice to resign and will be leaving on 21st July, three days before homosexual ‘marriage’ becomes legal.
Speaking to the New York Times, Mrs. Fotusky explained that her Biblical belief that marriage is between one man and one woman meant that she could not, in good conscience, issue marriage licenses to homosexual couples.
Although her decision to follow her conscience will mean the significant financial cost of losing a $25,000 a year job, Mrs. Fotusky said: “I don’t really have any regrets. I feel like I did what I needed to do.”
Mrs. Fotusky also said that whilst there has been some negative reaction to her decision, the response has overall been positive with people commending her for standing up for her beliefs.
Further Resignations Expected
Other resignations for conscience reasons in the wake of the New York homosexual ‘marriage’ law are expected.
Rosemary Centi, another town clerk who works in a different town to Mrs. Fotusky, has said that whilst she will continue to issue marriage licenses to those who are eligible, she will stop presiding over marriage ceremonies because she does not feel that, as a Roman Catholic, she can perform the actual rituals for homosexual couples.
Some New Yorkers were outraged that the law was passed without a popular vote of the people. There is now a campaign, backed by the National Organisation for Marriage, to make this a reality.
There have also been revelations since the New York Senate vote on homosexual ‘marriage’ that Republican Senators who voted in favour of it have received substantial financial rewards as a result.
Andrea Williams, CEO of Christian Concern, commented:
“Unfortunately, when the Government uses legislation to try and re-define marriage – as in New York – Christians are excluded from certain areas of public life and people like Mrs. Fotusky suffer as a result.
“We have seen similar situations in the UK and will continue to do so across the West until people realise how dangerous equality laws are and how important freedom of belief is for a healthy society. When homosexual relationships are normalised and promoted by Governments then civil liberties end up being deeply curtailed.”
Links
Christian Concern: Sexual Orientation