The Durham County Republican Party is in favor of the proposed "marriage amendment" to the North Carolina constitution, which goes to voters in the May 8 primary election.
In a resolution sent today to the Durham County Board of Commissioners and the Durham City Council, the party announced its support for Amendment 1, which specifics that "marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be recognized or valid in this State."
Among their reasons for supporting the amendment, the resolution states that it:
- "Does not diminish the existing rights and liberties of North Carolinians";
- "Does not limit the rights of private citizens to contract";
- "Protects us from fundamental change in our law by the judiciary or the legislature without a vote of the people";
- "Can be changed by the citizens of North Carolina in the future."
The resolution also states "the traditional institution of marriage is a bulwark for liberty and the common good"; and makes several references to a Massachusetts Supreme Court ruling interpreting that state's constitution to permit same-sex marriage and the Massachusetts legislature's refusal to put the question to a popular vote.
Durham Republicans approved the resolution at its March party convention.
