“The president has done more to advance gay rights than any other.”-- Clo Ewing, Obama campaign spokeswomanFor background, read Voters to Define Marriage in May in North Carolina and also read Obama Defeats Marriage, Again - Congress Responds as well as White House Gay Agenda Advances by Fiat Promised
-- From "Thousands rally to back NC marriage amendment" by Gary D. Robertson, Associated Press 4/20/12
The proposed constitutional amendment would identify traditional marriage as the only domestic legal union recognized by the state. State law, which already limits marriage to a man and a woman, won't change if the question fails . . .
Friday's rally resembled a combination evangelistic crusade and outdoor concert, as a singer's renditions of "God Bless America" and the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" were interspersed with preaching and explanations on the history of marriage. Rally-goers raised their hands in prayer, gave hearty "amens" and held placards supporting the amendment.
State Capitol Police estimated the crowd in downtown Raleigh at about 3,000, as churches and Christian schools bused in members and students to the Halifax Mall.
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From "In North Carolina, more evidence of Obama’s delicate approach to gay rights" by Amy Gardner, Washington Post 4/23/12
. . . President Obama is not expected to touch the [referendum] subject when he appears in Chapel Hill . . .
Instead, Obama will talk about college loans, his aides said, kicking off a two-day, three-state tour designed to energize the youth vote. His delicate sidestep of Amendment One, a ballot initiative to be decided May 8 . . . is seen by some as another sign that he is not fully committed to gay rights — an interpretation that could dampen the enthusiasm of the young voters he is trying to court.
It will also be up to Obama to navigate the political crosscurrents of a complicated state in which he must court multiple constituencies that do not all agree on all the same issues.
. . . Quietly opposing Amendment One, but keeping his distance from on-the-ground efforts to defeat it, could be an essential strategy for Obama to pull back together the diverse coalition that elected him last time.
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From "The Marriage Amendment: A question of state policy or a test of faith?" by Larry Clark, Hickory Daily Record 4/21/12
The issue is drawn between conservatives and liberals, but not always between Republicans and Democrats.
This is how the state Constitution would read if Amendment One passes:
"Sec. 6. Marriage.For many, the Marriage Amendment is about religion.
“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."
Many people believe the Marriage Amendment will be decided on the voters’ gut feelings. Is same-sex marriage a sin or is it acceptable in light of their religious beliefs.
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From "Black churchgoers break with leading Democrats on marriage amendment" by Michael Gordon & Tim Funk, Charlotte Observer 4/21/12
A March 23 survey by Public Policy Polling of Raleigh showed that black voters statewide support the measure 61 percent to 30 percent. Whites: 58-38 percent in favor.
More than 80 percent of the state’s African-Americans voters are Democrats. Their support for the amendment represents a rare break with the party’s leaders and civil rights groups.
As such, the marriage amendment has hammered a wedge between two enduring traits of African-American believers – a tradition of political and social activism, and a streak of moral conservatism, especially when it comes to gays and lesbians.
The state NAACP has led the fight to defeat the amendment . . .
Yet Mark Harris, the white pastor of First Baptist Church in Charlotte and a statewide leader in the campaign for passage, says the vote will show “how out of touch the state NAACP is with most African-Americans” on the issue.
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Also read Bishops Say Obama Destroying Societal Norm
