New York Town Clerk Quits Over Opposition to Gay Marriage

BARKER, N.Y – A town clerk in western New York says she's resigning over her religious opposition to gay marriage.

Laura Fotusky submitted a letter of resignation to the town board in Barker on Monday, saying her religious beliefs prevent her from signing a marriage certificate for a gay couple, as she'd be required to do as a municipal clerk. The letter was published on the website of the Christian lobbying group New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms.

The 56-year-old Republican has served since 2007. She says she'll step down on July 21, three days before New York's law allowing same-sex marriage takes effect.

Volney Town Clerk Barbara MacEwen told local media outlets last month she opposed gay marriage on religious grounds but would follow the law.

Barker is 34 miles northeast of Buffalo.