General Assembly Refuses to Consider Marriage Amendment

Unfortunately, this is a report we could write every day for the past six years. The leadership of the North Carolina General Assembly refuses to consider any of the bills that have been introduced to allow the voters to decide if they would like to protect marriage by approving an amendment to the North Carolina Constitution. We have talked several times with House Speaker Joe Hackney (D–Orange County), and he listens and asks a few questions. He is always very polite to us as we are to him, but there is no indication that he will allow House Bill 361–Defense of Marriage, to be considered. The bill is in the Committee on Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House, with sequential referral to three other committees. The bill was sponsored or cosponsored by 64 members of the House, although two of them have resigned this session.

Over in the Senate, a similar situation exists with Senate President Pro-Tempore Marc Basnight (D-Dare). We have met with Sen. Basnight and he also is very polite and listens to our appeal for a State Marriage Amendment, but is telling his constituents that he does not believe the Constitution should be amended. Senate Bill 272–Defense of Marriage was introduced by Sen. James Forrester (R–Lincoln) and was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. No action has been taken on the bill.

We hope you will continue to let your legislators know what you think about these important bills and that you continue to spread the word and ask your friends to help by joining NC4Marriage.