Text of NC H 174 (2025)
Marriage Equality Act
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As introduced
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GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
SESSION 2025
H
D
HOUSE BILL DRH10073-NJ-21
Short Title:
Marriage Equality Act.
(Public)
Sponsors:
Representative Butler.
Referred to:
*DRH10073-NJ-21*
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT TO AFFIRM AND PROTECT MARRIAGE EQUALITY IN NORTH CAROLINA.
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The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
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SECTION 1. This act shall be known as the "North Carolina Marriage Equality Act."
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The purpose of this act is to codify the right of all individuals to marry, regardless of sex, gender,
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or sexual orientation, ensuring equal treatment under the law in the State of North Carolina.
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SECTION 2. Article 1 of Chapter 51 of the General Statutes is amended by adding
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the following new sections to read:
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"§ 51-5.6. Codification of marriage equality.
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(a)
Marriage is the legally recognized union of two consenting individuals, regardless of
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sex, gender, or sexual orientation.
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(b)
All laws, policies, and regulations of the State of North Carolina and its political
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subdivisions shall be applied equally to all married couples, regardless of the sex, gender, or
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sexual orientation of the parties.
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(c)
No state or local government entity, agency, or official may refuse to recognize a
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marriage legally performed under this section.
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"§ 51-5.7. Protection against discrimination.
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(a)
No individual, corporation, association, or government entity may deny services,
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benefits, rights, or responsibilities related to marriage based on sex, gender, or sexual orientation.
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(b)
Public officials responsible for issuing marriage licenses or performing civil
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marriages shall not refuse to do so based on the sex, gender, or sexual orientation of the
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applicants."
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SECTION 3. G.S. 51-1.2 and G.S. 51-5.5 are repealed.
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SECTION 4. If any provision of this act or its application is held invalid, the
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invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of this act that can be given effect
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without the invalid provisions or application and, to this end, the provisions of this act are
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severable.
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SECTION 5. This act is effective when it becomes law.
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H.B. 174
Feb 21, 2025
HOUSE PRINCIPAL CLERK