North Carolina's anti-gay marriage amendment seems likely to pass today

[ProfessionalLeftist]

North Carolina voters go to the polls Tuesday to decide whether to add a measure banning gay marriage, civil unions and domestic partnerships to the state's constitution, in addition to the state's statutory prohibition against recognition of same-sex marriage.

The text of the amendment reads, "Marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this state." The state legislature passed the measure last September, placing it on the ballot. North Carolina is the only southern state not to have a gay marriage ban in its constitution.

The amendment could have legal consequences going beyond its intended goal to ban same-sex marriage. The Huffington Post's Lila Shapiro reported that the amendment could change how courts deal with child custody issues, visitation rights and end-of-life arrangements for same-sex couples. It also could weaken protections for unmarried victims of domestic violence, as happened in Ohio before the state's Supreme Court ruled in 2007 that unwed victims were covered. State Sen. Daniel Soucek (R) acknowledged this potential problem but said he would lead the charge if there's "unintentional harm."

The measure appears headed for passage. A Public Policy Polling survey showed the measure passing by a 55-41 margin among likely voters. A poll by the conservative Civitas Institute showed the proposition winning by a 16-point margin.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/08/north-carolina-amendment-1_n_1498000.html

[Hoyt]

1. That is a shame.

[Rittermeister]

2. Trying to decide whether to go vote

or buy two fifths of bourbon and become Kaiser Wilhelm II for the rest of the day.

[Hoyt]

3. LOL. Do both. I'd start before going to polls.

I lived in Raleigh for awhile when I was a kid. I thought they were more progressive. Well now I'm in Georgia, so NC may be "more" progressive -- but still backwards.

[ProfessionalLeftist]

4. Do both.

NC is of course moving in the opposite direction from the rest of the nation - to be expected with a Repub legislature. The whole state is doomed IMO with those clowns dictating everything.

[Rittermeister]

5. I have faith

Not in God, obviously; in mortality. Once my dad's generation gets old, the pendulum will swing back the other way. If they don't put me in a reeducation camp first. . .