03/12/2012

Washington– The Human Rights Campaign – the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization – today praised President Obama for his explicit criticism of North Carolina’s Amendment One.  The discriminatory amendment, placed on the ballot by the North Carolina Legislature, reads “Marriage between a man and a woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this state.” If passed, the amendment would prohibit civil unions, domestic partnerships, and public employee domestic benefits currently for all couples, gay or straight.

“The President has made clear the importance of protecting all families,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “Amendment One undermines basic human dignity and places families of all types at risk in North Carolina. Voting “No” on Amendment One is critical for maintaining a fair North Carolina.”  

All North Carolina voters will have the opportunity to vote on Amendment One on May 8, 2012 as part of the primary ballot. In addition to the amendment, voters will be asked to choose both a Republican presidential candidate (if they are registered republicans) and a gubernatorial candidate from both parties.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.