WRAL Documentary: The Amendment

On May 8, North Carolina voters will decide whether to approve an amendment to the state Constitution.

“An act to amend the constitution to provide that marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this state.”

Supporters of the Defense of Marriage Act, or "Amendment One," say the amendment is needed to prevent the law from being overturned in the future. Opponents of the amendment say it is discriminatory and would take away many rights that same-sex couples already enjoy, such as being covered by a spouse's health insurance, hospital visitation rights and tax breaks.

According to a WRAL News poll released in March, the proposed amendment has broad support among voters statewide. However, in a recent poll conducted by Elon University, 54 percent of respondents said they oppose the amendment.

The issue has stirred up much controversy and debate in North Carolina. Supporters and opponents have both held rallies to gain votes.

"The Amendment" is a 30-minute documentary exploring the debate over the amendment. It profiles a traditional married couple and a same-sex couple to reveal their different opinions on the issue. Religious leaders, legislators and activists are also interviewed in the documentary.

The documentary is hosted by WRAL News Anchor David Crabtree and airs Monday, April 23, at 7 p.m.

Resources

SB 514: Defense of Marriage
In Favor of The Amendment: VoteForMarriageNC.com
Opposed to The Amendment: ProtectNCFamilies.com

Interviews

In the Legislature

45 Comments

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How many of those who plan or have voted FOR the Amendment, would have also voted FOR slavery, AGAINST De-segrated Schools, and AGAINST Women's right to vote, Civil Rights in general,etc.??

To preserve our State and US Constitutions, we MUST keep church and state separate. Look what has happened all through history, all over the world, when these two forces have merged.

kildaire120
April 29, 2012 9:39 a.m.

"One thought. Almost everything we do as a people can be tracked historically in other, older cultures.

If you do an honest assessment of the introduction of homosexual behavior in a society, what does history report? If you think it had no impact or positive impact, you have not read enough." - canuseethelightofday

You mean like the Roman Empire...

~500 BC Roman Republic established which eventually becomes the Roman Empire. The majority religion at this time is Paganism.FACT Pagan Rome openly and commonly practices homosexuality . 380 AD the Roman Empire adopts Christianity as its official religion. 476 AD the Roman Empire collapses after nearly a thousands years and just 96 years as a Christian Country.

HateIsNOTaFamilyValue
April 27, 2012 8:11 a.m.

I completely agree that a marriage is between one man and one woman. However, this bill addresses much more.

Important to note that voting against this bill will not change current law, BUT voting for it will affect families, both gay and streight, and their children, and WOULD result in children loosing benefits.

This is why I HATE politicians and their smoke and mirror politics. It's no wonder our country is in shambles...

fatchanceson
April 27, 2012 8:10 a.m.

Wow, As a former North Carolinian, I will be disgusted if this amendment passes. The vitriolic hate spewed from religious, close-minded people in this state makes me glad I moved away. Citing religious passes does NOT justify legal means. Separation of Church and State, that is what this nation was founded on. Don't force everyone to believe your fables and stories.

jennanenglish
April 26, 2012 1:52 p.m.

This is an complete waste of time. Aren't there ENOUGH issues facing our state that are more important and effect everyone rather than wasting time (not to mention money) on re-writing the state constitution.

I'm a born and bred Christian and believe marriage should be betw a man/woman. I also have friends and co-workers who are gay. I do not judge them and it's none of NC's business to do so either.

Being gay may not be a choice, but marriage is. If gays "choose" to marry; let them. Don't waste our time & tax money REWRITING the constitution.

If this is passed... what's next?

gordonbabe
April 26, 2012 1:14 p.m.