A constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage has repeatedly died in the legislature.
At least ten bills by sponsored by Republicans and sometimes co-sponsored by Democrats have been introduced in the state House and Senate in recent years.
All would call for a statewide referendum on adding wording to Article 14 of the state constitution defining marriage as "the union of one man and one woman at one time."
Gay marriage is already illegal in North Carolina. A state law passed in 1871 defines marriage as a union between man and woman, while another passed in 1996 deems same-sex marriages invalid.
However, state Republicans argue that the laws — unlike a constitutional amendment — could be overturned by a state judge. That has happened in California, Massachusetts and Connecticut.
After the jump, the bills that have died in committee.
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Proposed bills to amend the state constitution to ban gay marriage:
S.B. 1608: 2008
H.B. 2803: 2008
S.B. 13: 2007
H.B. 493: 2007
S.B. 1228: 2006
H.B. 2438: 2006
S.B. 8: 2005
H.B. 55: 2005
S.B. 1057: 2004
H.B. 1606: 2004
Comments
Re: Gay marriage amendment died in N.C.
October 23, 2008 - 10:20pm — tangozI support and have stated openly in many non-partisan and partisan events that Marriage id a union between one woman and one man at one time PERIOD. I last stated this in the Springfield Baptist Church candidates forum.
Paul Terrell III
http://terrellforhouse33.blogspot.com
Re: If you plan to vote for Governor Poopy Pants McCrory
October 23, 2008 - 3:10pm — Isaac136The idea of that fella' from Charlotte coming over here and mucking up the place doesn't set well. You know how they are over there -- all self-conscious about how they really should be in SC and all jealous of our natural capital-esque superiority. I'm afraid McCrory's going to show up with that big Charlottean chip on his shoulder and mess the place up just to make up for the humiliation of being from such an inferior town.
Re: Gay marriage amendment died in N.C.
October 23, 2008 - 3:09pm — arthurb3This argument is so old and archaic. We need to focus on real concerns like the economy, jobs, child care - not focus on stopping people from caring about each other!!!
www.equalitync.org
ok - gosh
October 23, 2008 - 2:25pm — wwf165but golly gee, i am a democrat. no tissue needed.
Harry Brown (Sen-6th Dist) is a big proponent of limiting rights
October 23, 2008 - 2:22pm — ThomasBrockAnd the Democratic Party couldn't/wouldn't/didn't find someone to run against him.
Pathetic.
Re: Gay marriage amendment died in N.C.
October 23, 2008 - 2:21pm — wwf165What are you yelling about? Mr. McCrory has not been in the legislature nor has he introduced any of these bills.