North Carolina legislature to take up marriage amendment in September special session
August 31, 2011
RALEIGH, North Carolina: North Carolina is the last state in the southeast to define marriage in the state constitution as between one man and one woman. However, Republicans Dale Folwell and Paul Stam hope to change that this month.[1]
In a news conference in the Assembly, House Speaker Pro Tempore Dale Folwell stated, "It’s time that we put this decision [defining marriage] to the people of this state."[1]
The legislature is scheduled to meet for a brief special session on September 12. During that session, the possibility of amending the state constitution to define marriage as between one man and one woman is up to the legislature. Three-fifths of members in both houses must pass such an amendment before it can go to voters.[1]
According to House Majority Leader Paul Stam, an amendment is needed "because courts are turning equal-rights protections 'into a same-sex marriage entitlement.'”[1] Also noted, the state Defense of Marriage Act would not block private domestic benefits for gay couples.[1]
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