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HB 174

Carrying of concealed weapons-age requirement.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Bill Allemand and 26 co-sponsors

Codifies marriage equality in North Carolina, requiring equal recognition and non-discrimination in marriage-related laws, services, and official acts for all couples.

H:Died in Committee Returned Bill Pursuant to HR 5-4
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Bill Summary · HB 174

HB 174 — "Marriage Equality Act" (North Carolina) — Summary

Status: Introduced / Passed 1st Reading (Feb 25, 2025)
Primary sponsors: Representatives Butler, Rubin, Lopez, Belk
Referred to: Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
Effective date: “when it becomes law” (per bill text)

Purpose / Intent

The bill, titled the North Carolina Marriage Equality Act, codifies in state statute that marriage is the legally recognized union of two consenting individuals regardless of sex, gender, or sexual orientation, and it prohibits discrimination in marriage-related services and official acts on those bases. Its declared purpose is to ensure equal treatment under State law for all married couples.

Key provisions

  • Adds two new statutory sections to Article 1 of Chapter 51 (G.S.):
    • § 51‑5.6 (Codification of marriage equality)
    • Defines marriage as the union of two consenting individuals regardless of sex, gender, or sexual orientation.
    • Requires that all state and local laws, policies, and regulations be applied equally to all married couples.
    • Prohibits any state or local government entity, agency, or official from refusing to recognize a marriage legally performed under the section.
    • § 51‑5.7 (Protection against discrimination)
    • Prohibits any individual, corporation, association, or government entity from denying services, benefits, rights, or responsibilities related to marriage on the basis of sex, gender, or sexual orientation.
    • Prohibits public officials who issue marriage licenses or perform civil marriages from refusing to do so on those bases.
  • Repeals G.S. 51‑1.2 and G.S. 51‑5.5 (statutory sections identified in the bill for removal).
  • Severability clause: if any part is held invalid, remaining provisions remain effective.

Who is affected

  • Couples seeking marriage in North Carolina (all marriages would be equally protected under state law).
  • State and local government entities and officials who issue marriage licenses or perform civil marriage ceremonies.
  • Private entities and individuals who provide marriage-related services, benefits, or rights (the bill bars denials based on sex, gender, or sexual orientation).
  • Courts and administrative agencies applying family law and benefit rules — statutes and policies must be applied uniformly as required by the bill.

Implementation and procedural aspects

  • The bill becomes effective upon enactment (no delayed implementation date).
  • The bill is a state statutory change (amending Chapter 51 of the General Statutes). It does not create a new enforcement mechanism or private right of action beyond existing state civil remedies; existing enforcement avenues (courts, administrative processes) would apply to disputes arising under the new sections.
  • Repeal of the two specified prior statutes is intended to remove conflicting provisions and align Chapter 51 with the new protections.

Anticipated legal effect

  • The bill codifies marriage-equality protections in state law, clarifying that marriage-related laws, procedures, and services must not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, or sexual orientation. This statutory change may affect agency practices, licensing procedures, and the application of state family-law rules to married couples.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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