Medical groups come out against amendment

The amendment would add a definition of marriage as between one man and one woman to the state constitution. Backers say the measure merely protects current state law against changes, while opponents warn it could have far reaching consequences for a wide swath of family law.

Backers of the amendment have also claimed that two-parent families with parents of different genders do the best when raising children.

That's not so say doctors opposed the amendment.

"There is no research to suggest that same gender families are any less successful in raising children who are emotionally and behaviorally competent," said Dr. Peter Morris, a pediatrician and past president of the North Carolina Pediatric Society.

Along with the society, representatives of the N.C. Psychological Association, N.C. Psychiatric Association and North Carolina chapter of the National Association of Social Workers spoke at Tuesday's news conference. The Carolina's Chapter of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists' board of directors has also adopted a statement opposing the amendment. 

"Strong, stable families are found not only in heterosexual marriages," said Dr. Harold Carmel of the psychiatric association. He said the debate over the amendment is already "increasing stress" among those families who would be affected.