NC Amendment One hurts families, children, and committed couples. NC Amendment One states, "Marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this State." If this amendment passes on May 8th, it will put into our constitution a ban not just against same-sex marriage, but also against civil unions, domestic partner benefits, and legal recognition for all unmarried couples, both same-sex and heterosexual. Custody rights, domestic violence protection, and health care for partners and children will be threatened or removed completely from hundreds of thousands of families in North Carolina.

This amendment directly affects the city of Charlotte. Mecklenburg County currently provides benefits for domestic partners. The ability to do this will be taken away, in addition to all the other harms previously stated. For the good of all Charlotteans and North Carolinians, we ask that the City Council of Charlotte pass a resolution opposing Amendment 1. In this time of economic uncertainty, North Carolina families need to be supported, not hamstrung by an overreaching state government.