Dear Editor
Opponents claim the Marriage Amendment will affect existing law while hiding the amendment is simply protection of existing law, protection from those who want to leave existing law vulnerable to legislative and judicial activism. Opponents fear putting the decision in the hands of the people. Why do they trust government and judicial activists more than us? They’re a “faction” desiring to force the beliefs of a minority on the majority? Opponents play victim while we who want to protect the sanctity of marriage, our children and families are the real victims.
CURRENT Law since 1995: § 51‑1.2. Marriages between persons of the same gender not valid. Marriages, whether created by common law, contracted, or performed outside of North Carolina, between individuals of the same gender are not valid in North Carolina.
Opponents say they’re concerned about the ambiguous language of the amendment. Following is the State’s official explanation of the amendment (NC State Board of Elections’ website):
“Sec. 6. Marriage.
Marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this State. This section does not prohibit a private party from entering into contracts with another private party; nor does this section prohibit courts from adjudicating the rights of private parties pursuant to such contracts.”
This faction will use any tactic to deceive to destroy family. They claim this amendment is anti-gay/discriminatory? Why didn’t they find the current law to be anti-gay/ discriminatory? Opponents hide facts; the current law and proposed amendment does not recognize polygamy as well. Victimizing gays is just a convenient wedge, another of their many deceptive maneuvers.
Opponents play the victim to Christians claiming support for the amendment is hate and bigotry. Is God a God of hate? Is God a bigot? Of course not; and, Christians who stand on God’s word are not bigots. Opponents claim we need to vote against the amendment out of love for one another. Voting against the marriage amendment says we’re not concerned with the sanctity of God’s institution of marriage and is sanctioning the destruction of His institution. Do we lead others away from God’s plan out of love or do we lead them to God’s plan out of love? The latter, it is called tough love.
This ongoing attack on the family comes from a faction of society who promotes “do whatever feels good”. It is this faction who will harm our children. Protect our children, our families, God’s institution of marriage and God’s plan; vote for the marriage amendment out of love for God and his commandment to love one another as He loves us.
Deborah Greene