A Plea to Repeal Amendment 1

On May 8, 2012, the voters of North Carolina voted in favor of Amendment 1, an amendment to the North Carolina Constitution that made it unconstitutional for the state to perform same-sex marriages or civil unions. For many voters, it was a decision based on their beliefs about a certain lifestyle. But the reality is that the issue of Amendment 1 extends beyond the approval or disapproval of the homosexual lifestyle. It may have a major effect on many heterosexual couples who are not legally recognized. Due to the language of the amendment, it could have far reaching effects on employee benefits, domestic violence laws and the states economic future. A study by academics with the North Carolina School of Law said that unmarried partners and their children that are receiving domestic-partner benefits as public employees might no longer be eligible for those benefits under this amendment. The amendment could also strip unmarried couples of protections from domestic violence and stalking that North Carolina law offers to those in a recognized relationship. It could even take away the visitation rights of unmarried couples. That means if a partner gets sick, the other might not be allowed to visit them in the hospital. A majority of voters didnt realize the impact that Amendment 1 would have. In fact, a poll found that only 40 percent of North Carolina voters knew that Amendment 1 banned both same-sex marriage and civil unions. If they knew the effect it would have on everyday couples, do you think they would have voted for it? If you think Amendment 1 isnt worth the sacrifice of liberties for unmarried couples and their children, visit repealamendment1.org to learn more about how you can help.