Discriminatory Constitutional Amendment Introduced in N.C. Senate
5/14/2008 - Just one day into the 2008 legislative session, Sen. Jim Forrester (R-Gaston) once again filed an anti-LGBT, anti-marriage state constitutional amendment. A similar bill is expected in the state House. Equality North Carolina is working to defeat these attempts to write discrimination into our state constitution.
Sen. James Forrester
The proposed bill mirrors those introduced in the last four sessions, which Equality North Carolina and our allies have successfully blocked.
"We can't let our guard down this year," said Ian Palmquist, Executive Director. "The far right would like nothing better than to put this amendment on the ballot and turn out radical conservative voters for the 2008 elections. We can't let Sen. Forrester and his cronies play politics with our lives, our rights, and our families."
The amendment would not only prohibit same-sex marriage—which is already not recognized in the state under current law—but would also ban any other form of relationship recognition for same-sex couples. In fact, the language is so broad it could prevent private companies from offering partner health benefits.
Equality North Carolina is actively lobbying against the amendment and is calling on supporters to contact their legislators.
Charlotte Black Gay Pride
