NC legislators not likely to vote on anti-gay constitutional amendment this week

This week legislators in Raleigh, North Carolina briefly considered adjourning their regular session to consider several constitutional amendments including an anti-gay constitutional amendment.  However, it now seems that they have decided against doing this for the time being. 

On Tuesday, Representative Tim Moore, a republican from Cleveland, NC, filed a resolution that would have tabled business as usual from Wednesday to Thursday and allowed for consideration of constitutional amendments including one that would end all recognition of marriages, civil unions, and domestic partnerships.  Both the North Carolina House and Senate are considering such an amendment to their constitution.  

However, while it is certain that the amendment will not be debated this week, in September, a special fall session will be convened to discuss these amendments, according to Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger.  House Speaker, Thom Tills confirmed that the amendment would “definitely be brought up in a special fall session.”  Amendments to the constitution need to pass with a three-fifths majority and the governor has no veto power in this case.  If the amendment is passed in both the House and the Senate, it will be placed on the 2012 ballot.

Freedom to Marry is proud to support the work of Equality NC and other advocates working to defeat this harmful amendment. If you're in North Carolina, visit EqualityNC's website to learn how you can take action today.