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The proposed amendment that would ban marriage, civil unions, domestic partnerships and other relationship recognition for same-sex couples has passed the North Carolina House of Representatives. Maybe we aren't surprised by this, but we sure are pissed. Get the numbers and details after the jump.
The House took up the amendment after its rushed passage through the chamber’s Rules Committee earlier this afternoon, voting in favor of it 75-42.
The newest version of the amendment, SB 514, moves the ballot date from November 2012 to the primary election in May 2012. Making excuses for the move, Speaker of the House Thom Tillis (R-Mecklenburg) said it was to "remove politics," but it seems like it has more to do with preventing organizing efforts on behalf of the LGBT community and our allies to rally support.
“What we’re trying to do is respect the concerns of some who felt like this was purely politically-motivated,” Tillis said at the press conference. “I decided, consulting with a number of people, and we decided that this was the most acceptable form. It was a discussion that involved both chambers. There are some members who were inclined to support the bill and did feel like political considerations were an issue that might cause them not to vote for something they would otherwise support.”
The amendment now awaits hearing in the Senate, where it is expected it will also gain the three-fifths majority needed to place it on the ballot in May 2012.
It's really heartbreaking to think that 75 lawmakers in one state believe that our families don't deserve any legal protections or recognition. Shame on them.
(Source QNotes)
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