In case you missed it, the students at Campbell University Law School (who, ironically enough, study in a building supported by Art Pope) have offically weighed in against the marriage discrimination amendment. Here’s an excerpt:

“WHEREAS, Amendment One, if approved by a majority of voters, will void the benefits of domestic partner registries currently offered by local municipalities and cities throughout North Carolina to same sex and opposite sex partners who are in committed, long term relationships but who are unable to marry or otherwise have not married.”

Here’s a link to the actual resolution:  http://pulse.ncpolicywatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Amendment-One-Resolution.pdf

Wow. When even the conservative Burlington Times-News speaks out against the marriage discrimination amendment, you know a seismic shift in public attitudes is taking place before our eyes.   

The paper cites with approval the recent video made by former Charlotte mayors Harvey Gantt and Richard Vinroot:

“In an advertisement placed on the internet for Protect All NC Families, an anti-Amendment One group,  Vinroot says Amendment One is ‘unnecessary and may have unintended consequences.’

And Gantt follows with ‘those consequences may harm women, children and families throughout North Carolina. And, even worse, the amendment will write discrimination into our constitution.’

Both are alluding to the threat the amendment poses to civil unions in general — not to mention that it’s a government intervention into an area where government has no right to be — the freedom of individuals and churches to make their own decisions.

It’s interesting to note that one rule of medical ethics is this one: ”Do no harm.’ In the video, Vinroot states, ‘If we defeat Amendment One on May 8, it will not cause any harm at all.’

Maybe state lawmakers should adopt the same code.”

You can read the entire piece by clicking here.

One of the smartest lawyers in the state (a man who also, luckily, happens to be a state lawmaker–Rep. Rick Glazier) weighed in on the marriage discrimination amendment yesterday morning in the Fayetteville Observer.

It’s definitely worth your time to read and forward to some friends.

I liked this part:

“Under this amendment, the most intimate personal decision we as human beings will ever make – whom we wish to spend life with – now becomes subject to a government stamp of approval enshrined in the constitution of the state, potentially in perpetuity. And we do it out of nothing but pure fear. Read More…