N.C. anti-marriage constitutional amendment poised for 2012 ballot

The North Carolina General Assembly has voted to place a proposed constitutional amendment banning marriage equality and possibly other relationship recognition for same-sex couples on the May 2012 statewide ballot. North Carolina already has a law banning marriage for same-sex couples, but referendum backers hope to enshrine such discrimination in the state Constitution. The Senate passed the bill today, following yesterday’s House passage.

National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director Rea Carey says:

North Carolina lawmakers have turned their back on an opportunity to recognize and affirm our common humanity by voting to place this unnecessary and unfair amendment on the ballot. This is deeply disappointing and hurtful to thousands of North Carolina same-sex couples who simply want to be able to care for each other and their families, as all families do. Challenging times such as these are made easier when people join together, not when they tear each other apart. We urge the fair-minded people of North Carolina to reject this painful attack on their neighbors, co-workers, friends and family members.