Citing Catholic Faith Town Clerk Of Guilderland New York Resigns Rather Than Perform Same-Sex Marriage Ceremonies

The Guilderland, New York Town Clerk, who also serves as the town's official marriage officer, has submitted a letter of resignation saying her religious beliefs prevent her from marrying gay and lesbian couples, CBS-6 News reporting that Rosemary Centi advised the town supervisor of her decision earlier this week. Citing her Catholic Faith, Centi will no longer be marrying same-sex couples when the Marriage Equality Law takes effect July 24. Centi will remain on as the town's clerk and continue to issue marriage licenses to all eligible couples. Her resignation only affects her appointed position as marriage officiant. Reached by phone Thursday morning, Town Supervisor Ken Runion told CBS-6 News, "I was surprised because we all take the oath of civil service and promise to follow the law. . . Regardless of personal beliefs, Same sex marriage is now legal and we have to follow the law." Runion said Centi never discussed her religious or political views with him. He also said the Town Board will discuss a replacement for Centi at its August 16 meeting. Until then, two town justices will perform marriage ceremonies in Centi's absence. Centi was elected to the town clerk position in 2000 and was appointed as a marriage officer in 2001. She is up for re-election in November, but is running unopposed. She is the latest government official to resign in protest of the marriage equality law. The town clerk in Barker, New York resigned from her post last week, also citing religious beliefs for choosing not to issue marriages license to same-sex couples. Barker is located in Broome County, about 10 miles north of Binghamton.