North Carolina is now the 30th state to define the only domestic legal union as the marriage between one man and one woman.
Tuesday night, more than half of those who voted approved adding this amendment to the state constitution.
This measure also voids all other types of domestic unions from carrying legal status. Dr. Ron Beatty, a pastor at Berean Baptist Church in Winston-Salem said he’s thankful North Carolina has upheld what has been true in the state for more than 200 years.
“The thing that we are very elated about is four states have had same sex marriage placed upon them by the Judiciary, but the people of the state of North Carolina made this decision and once again we recognize that our government works… people of this nation have the opportunity to vote on marriage; they will always vote on marriage as the union between one man and one woman,” said Beatty.
Opponents warn the amendment could disrupt domestic violence-related protection orders and impact healthcare coverage and benefits for the partners and children in domestic partnerships and civil unions. The amendment will not prevent private businesses in the state from continuing to offer benefits to domestic partners and their children. Laurelyn Dossett, a North Carolina singer and songwriter, voted against the amendment. She said despite the controversy, the issue has united people across the state.
“I’ve seen such generosity of spirit and such creativity and so many folks who have not been allied before all coming together to say this is not who we are this is not our state,” said Dossett.
For Patty Curran of Winston-Salem, the amendment means more than just words. She is a-homeschooling mom of three who has been married to her husband for 19 years.
“I’m elated because the definition of the word marriage as God intended… I don’t think the government or people have the right to change the definition of that word,” said Curran.
Jackie Causey, a photographer and college student in Winston-Salem, said the amendment won’t change how she lives her life.
“I have been a gay woman in NC for 20 years and I have watched great progress. They can pass whatever amendment they want to - they can do whatever they want - and it does not change the quality of my life. They will not stop me from loving, living. They will chase me away from their God and as far as I’m concerned, that is the most radical sin that I have ever witnessed,” said Causey.
Later this week, a Southern gay rights group is planning events at city government buildings in Winston-Salem and Asheville. Organizers say several same sex couples will refuse to leave the premises until they are given marriage licenses or until they’re arrested.
