Same-sex marriage debate hits NCSU

Some members of the student senate said the proposed amendment to North Carolina's constitution affects gay and lesbian students on campus and student government should make a statement. Supporters said the resolution would make it clear that diversity of all types is welcome.

"N.C. State is the people's university," student senator Harrison Do said. "At the end of the day, by fighting for the rights of our Wolfpack family at State, we are also fighting for the rights of all North Carolinians."

Those against the resolution said it is a state-level political issue and it isn't the place for college students to weigh in.

Some senators wanted to seek input from the student body before voting.

"We haven't polled the student body. This is just the student government," student Senator Alex Compton said. "I feel like we need to get a better opinion from the student body before we can an opinion on this."

“The proposed amendment has vague and untested wording which will result in a significant period of time and state money spent on court cases to determine the meaning of the bill,” the resolution states. "North Carolina State University Student Government strongly encourages our state legislature to focus on more important matters at hand including stimulating job growth, hurricane relief and education."

Earlier Wednesday, the student senate passed a separate bill expressing value of diversity.

A copy of the resolution on same sex marriage will be given to state legislators.

Voters across the state will get a chance to vote on the same-sex constitutional amendment in May.

The NCSU campus was rocked this week after someone spray-painted a homophobic slur and the words "burn" and "die" on the door of the N.C. State Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Center on Monday night. Campus police are investigating the incident. 

In response, students plan to hold a rally on Thursday to show support for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community at the school.