Amendment One: North Carolina's Marriage Proposal

Since my last post was about the election that will be held on May 8th in North Carolina, I decided to make this one about another issue that will appear on the ballot on May 8th, as well...

This issue is much more delicate, and many people are passionate about both sides of the matter: Amendment One.

A legislatively-referred Constitutional Amendment, the proposed measure would change Article 14 of the North Carolina Constitution to include an additional (all new) section:

Section 6.  Marriage. 

Marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this State. This section does not prohibit a private party from entering into contracts with another private party; nor does this section prohibit courts from adjudicating the rights of private parties pursuant to such contracts.

Same-Sex marriages are already illegal in North Carolina.  However, this Amendment would essentially be adding the law to the state Constitution.

The question about whether or not to put it on the ballot was debated in the North Carolina state legislature in September 2011, and in a 75-42 vote, the state legislature voted in favor of referring the proposed Amendment statewide.

Now, I will briefly provide three points from both sides of the debate in order to present the information completely, accurately, and unbiased.

Supporters:

1.) Why even propose adding this to the state constitution?

Supporters say that without an Amendment banning same-sex marriages, same-sex partners could travel to a state where same-sex marriage is legal, New York for example, get married there, and then come back to North Carolina seeking legal rights in a state where same-sex marriage is illegal.

2.) Why are people of North Carolina voting on Amendment One?

Supporters of Amendment One say that the measure is being brought to the people of North Carolina to vote on so that they can decide how they want marriage to be defined in their own state.  It is much too complicated of an issue to be resolved within the state legislature alone.  A vote will more likely legitimize whichever way the decision goes.

3.) Why this Amendment?

Supporters believe that the institution of Marriage is being threatened in our country, and that North Carolina needs to be one of the states to protect the union between a man and a woman, that has existed in virtually every society.  It reinforces concern and well-being for all people, including those who are not yet born.

Opposition:

1.) Why even propose adding this to the state constitution?

Many people opposed to Amendment one say that the proposed constitutional amendment is completely unnecessary and an overreaching assault on families in North Carolina.


2.) Why are the people of North Carolina voting on Amendment One?

Those opposed to the Amendment say that it is unfair to put up a vote that is putting the rights of a minority group in danger of being lost. 

3.) Why this Amendment?

President Obama does not often weigh in on ballots in every state, but has always opposed divisive and discriminatory laws that deny same-sex couples the same rights as heterosexual couples.  He also believes that this is a Republican campaign strategy to gain more supporters for the upcoming 2012 elections.


Whichever side you are on, one thing is clear:  it is entirely up to the people of North Carolina to decide how marriage will be defined in our state.


So please, take advantage of your constitutional right and Vote on May 8th.