Laura Fotusky, New York Town Clerk, Resigns Over Gay Marriage Law

By Joe Coscarelli Wed., Jul. 13 2011 at 9:45 AM

Citing insufficient language meant to protect religious people in the marriage equality bill, town clerk Laura Fotusky, who will soon be required to issue marriage licenses to gay couples, has resigned instead. "There was no protection provided in the legislation for Town Clerks who are unable to sign these marriage licenses due to personal religious convictions, even though our US Constitution supports freedom of religion," she wrote in a letter to the Town of Barker Board. "I believe that there is a higher law than the law of the land. It is the law of God in the Bible." Blah, blah, blah, Bible verse. "I had to choose between my job and my god," she said. She made the right choice for everyone. [Politico]

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Anita Schatz

Thurb, Shame on you! I think Ms Fotusky showed real courage doing what she did, especially in these hard economic times when jobs are scarce. She's obviously a devout Christian and God will bless her for her actions with a much better job and a place with HIM in Heaven.

Justatim

I agree heartily with Laura Fotusky. Civil law should be structured on religious beliefs–so long as they are MY religious beliefs. If not, then I’ll pick up my marbles, leave the game, and go home pouting.

Peter Jensen

three words... stupid fucking bitch!

Anita Schatz

You're a good example of what is wrong with our country and how it's become morally bankrupt.

Malcolm Allen

Now we know the moral and intellectual caliber of some, at least, of those who oppose Ms Fotusky. Well done, Peter.

Al Swearengen

Yes, some rude commenter on the Internet excuses her asshat bigotry. Well done Malcolm.

roger h

Many people do things on their jobs that conflict with personal feelings but a professional will do their job to the best of their abilities. in any job dealing with the public you will come across people who you would not like to deal with but its part of the job. if you let hate take over your life it will destroy you, you may have resigned but its your own putrid heart that has cost you your job and respect. in time your friends and family will turn away. when you have nothing left dont cry about it. its your own doing.

Malcolm Allen

1. So a moral or religious objection to homosexual behavior is self-evidently "hate"? How old are you? And if you ever want to learn about capitalization and punctuation then get in touch with me. 2. Personally, I don't like turning over Jews to the Gestapo but it's the law in Occupied France and "Many people do things on their jobs that conflict with personal feelings but a professional will do their [sic] job to the best of their [sic] abilities."3. Personally, I don't like returning run-away slaves to their Southern owners but it's the law in pre-1863 America and "Many people do things on their jobs that conflict with personal feelings but a professional will do their [sic] job to the best of their [sic] abilities."

Al Swearengen

Her putting her official stamp on a marriage certificate, which as long as it's legal is really none of her, or your's, goddamn business, is exactly like returning runaway slaves? Or the Holocaust?

You homophobic loons really take the cake, and I say that as a straight person. I suppose you've got the same problem with interracial marriage, or you would if you had a consistent bone in your body, because the same arguments were made against that, so enjoy your company, bigot.

girllogic

Hip Hip Horay.....Ms Fotusky resigned who cares her time of fame has come.... Not really. Ms. Fotusky Gay folks don't need people like you, you need people like us to get you off your ass and put you to work.... Ms.Fotusky sounds like a hater.... Oh My

Malcolm Allen

Literate, Intelligent. Carefully thought out. Wow! I really feel like supporting gay "rights" after reading girllogic!

MasterD

Good.

Now, how do we get rid of the "conscience laws" that shield religious zealots working as pharmacists?

Thurb

Dear Ms Fotusky, your right to object to gay marriage does not extend to being a public official. You were right to resign. You are wrong that you are being wronged. Living your convictions is wonderful. Thinking your victim - not so much. The people who come to the Clerk's office get to believe differently then you, and in this case their rights trump yours because you would be representing the government not yourself as Town Clerk and the government doesn't get to discriminate about or because of religion. Not recognizing that fact, or even the fact that you would be discriminating, means that the town is well rid of you as clerk as you were unsuited for the job.

Laura Fotusky, New York Town Clerk, Resigns Over Gay Marriage Law

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