Documentaries

WRAL Documentary: The Amendment

"The Amendment" is a half-hour documentary exploring the debate over the Defense of Marriage Act. The amendment will be voted on May 8.

Posted 2012-04-14T00:01:40+00:00 - Updated 2012-04-26T21:46:18+00:00

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.