Marriage News Watch

Submitted by Jake Gellar-Goad on Wed, 01/04/2012 - 4:11am

Matt Baume, with the American Foundation for Equal Rights, produces a weekly video segment called Marriage News Watch. It's usually a short, and very information-packed video. Given the upcoming vote on the marriage discrimination amendment in 4 months, North Carolina is sure to be a part of the segment each week, and this week is no exception. With the new year, civil unions are now legal in Delaware and Hawaii. It would be a shame, with everywhere else moving forward, if North Carolina starts moving backwards.

In other news, the vote totals for Iowa just came in. Romeny 30,015, Santorum 30,007, Paul 26,186.

I plan to share this segment on a weekly basis, after double-checking that NC is a part of the segment first. Although there is something to be said for watching national trends, too, whether it's with civil rights or presidential picks. It's clear that being for marriage discrimination is being on the wrong side of history.

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Civil Unions: among the things banned by NC amendment

Submitted by usernamehere on Wed, 01/04/2012 - 5:58am.

In NC, it is the upcoming amendment's banning of civil unions and stripping of existing benefits for municipal employees that I find particularly troubling.

Don't like gay marriage? Fine.

But don't strip away existing health and sick leave benefits from police, firefighters and others -- as the NC amendment does,

And don't ban civil unions -- as the NC amendment does.

I know Jake and many here know this already, but the polling is clear that too many NC folks don't realize this from the plain text of the amendment.

Marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this State.

Bold above mine -- that "domestic legal union" is the really bad part of the amendment.

Bad legislators writing bad legislation that it's now up to the people to correct.

As you talk about the Iowa caucus results today, get five people to pledge to vote AGAINST the amendment when our primaries come in NC later this year.

 

Thanks for posting this Jake

Submitted by James on Wed, 01/04/2012 - 9:18am.

I hope you plan for it to become a regular frontpage feature. Even if it doesn't address NC in particular (this one does), it has huge relevance for the political picture this year right here at home.

As usernamehere explains, the Tea Party in Raleigh has stretched their homophobic agenda beyond belief. It's up to us to make sure that they - not the people of North Carolina - pay the price.

Do good. Be nice. Have fun.

I'm not gay @ all, however, I

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 01/07/2012 - 3:18pm.

I'm not gay @ all, however, I will oppose this amendment on May 8th, b/c I know this amendment will be hurtful to North Carolina! I don't support gay marriage, but I think we should allow civil unions in this state! We need to be focused on creating more jobs in North Carolina and getting our unemployment #'s down, but as always, the Republicans want to focus on divisiveness and fearmongering rather than doing the people's business!

Come hear Sean Kosofsky tomorrow AM Raleigh

Submitted by gregflynn on Sat, 01/07/2012 - 6:02pm.

Protecting Families in North Carolina Sunday January 8, 9:15am:

Sean Kosofsky, Executive Director of Blueprint NC, will discuss the broad negative implications and economic justice issues of the proposed constitutional amendment to narrowly define marriage in NC.

Community United Church of Christ
814 Dixie Trail, Raleigh NC 27607, at Wade Ave.

Community United Church of Christ has a long history of community involvement, courage in controversy, deep concern for humanity, leadership in public issues, spiritual depth and joy, and warmth and friendship for the newcomer and stranger.