By L.A. Williams, Correspondent
Christian Action League
RALEIGH — Refusing to be swayed by the rhetoric of homosexual activists, Wake County leaders took a stand Monday night for traditional marriage, passing a resolution in support of the Marriage Protection Amendment and urging voters not to fail to cast their ballots May 8.
“We appreciate the courageous stand that the Wake County Commissioners have taken on protecting marriage,” said Tami Fitzgerald, chairwoman of Vote FOR Marriage NC. “The Commissioners’ support for the Marriage Amendment sends a clear signal that marriage should be defined by the people of North Carolina, not by activist judges and legislators.”
If it passes, the amendment will make the state’s Constitution consistent with its statutes and will uphold marriage between one man and one woman as the “only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this State.”
Republicans Paul Coble, Tony Gurley, Phil Matthews and Joe Bryan voted for the resolution, which was opposed by Democrats Erv Portman, James West and Betty Lou Ward.
Outnumbered at the meeting, as one homosexual activist after the next criticized the board for taking up the resolution, Fitzgerald pointed out that polls prove the room was not reflective of the larger community. Besides rank-and-file support for the Amendment, Vote FOR Marriage NC includes a number of policy organizations, denominations and civic groups. Its Executive Committee involves the Christian Action League, a coalition of African American pastors, N.C. Baptists, and the National Organization of Marriage.
Fitzgerald also told the board that, despite the activists’ claims, the amendment will not harm economic growth or affect other issues such as health insurance coverage.
“It’s important and encouraging that local leaders recognize the role that marriage plays in our society and are willing to take the heat to defend this vital institution with a resolution supporting Amendment One,” said the Rev. Mark Creech, executive director of the Christian Action League. “We hope other county boards will follow Wake County’s lead.”
To find out more about the Marriage Protection Amendment, log on to http://www.voteformarriagenc.com/
