By Chris Lavender
The Free Press
GRIFTON – Nearly 400 people attended a rally for traditional marriage Saturday morning held at the town commons in Grifton. The rally’s slogan was one man, one woman, that’s it.
Several statewide and local clergy spoke during the rally to the cheers of an adoring crowd.
Organizers said they support North Carolina House Bill 361, which seeks to amend the state’s constitution to provide that marriage between a man and woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in the state.
“Our findings confirm that when voters are asked if they support preserving the definition of marriage as one man and one woman, they overwhelmingly say yes,” N.C. Family Policy Council President Bill Brooks said. “It is about preserving marriage in North Carolina for future generations.”
So far, 30 states have passed marriage protection amendments that place the traditional definition of marriage in their constitutions beyond the reach of judicial activists.
The Grifton-based WE L.U.V. Marriage Committee helped organize the rally Saturday. Spokeswoman Johanna Heltsley said the event was in effort to raise the region’s awareness that more action is needed in Raleigh to preserve traditional marriage laws.
“It boils down to our beliefs,” Heltsley said. “Our opposition has a louder voice.”
Return America President Ron Baity and Grifton FWB Church’s the Rev. Van Mitchell Sr. spoke at the rally.
“Our nation has historically shunned homosexuality,” Baity said. “We have forgotten where we came from.”
Mitchell said he is angry that the homesexual political agenda is trying to destroy traditional marriages’ biblical foundation.
“The twin towers of traditional marriage and family must remain standing on the skyline of America,” Mitchell said. “It’s time for us to speak up. The only thing that makes homosexuality wrong is the Bible.”
Same-sex marriages are recognized in three states, which inlcude Iowa, Massachuets and Conneticut. Vermont and Maine will recognize legal same-sex marriages in September.
North Carolina currently has a statute that bans same-sex marriage.
The Rev. Mark Creech, who represents Christian Action League of N.C., said that God created Eve for Adam.
“God didn’t create another Adam for Adam,” Creech said.”Homosexuality is not blessed in the sight of God.”
Creech added that North Carolina must have a constitutional amendment to further protect traditional marriage.
“Since the homosexuals came out of the closet, they have tried to run you and me into the closet,” Creech said.
Last May, the John William Pope Civitas Institute released poll numbers that showed 71 percent of residents statewide support the passage of a state marriage amendment while 26 percent in the poll said they were opposed.
For more information on the rally’s sponsor, visit www.weluvmarriage.org
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This story was posted by permission from The Daily Press.
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