Sunday, May 6, 2012

7th: LAST POST due 5/11


Can you believe that this will be the last posting of the year? As you know, the NC primaries are being held this week; in addition to voting for national, state and local officials (yay, Federalism) there is also an amendment to be voted on by the people of North Carolina.

For this week's posting please check out the wording of the Amendment as written by our General Assembly:


In your response, please include the following information:
1. What does the bill mean (briefly summarize it in your own words)?
2. What is the difference between an Amendment (in this case, to the North Carolina Constitution) and a regular bill/law?
3. Find an article that is written about Amendment 1. This can be for or against the Amendment, an analysis of it or a reporting of NC voters. Using the format that we have used all year, cite, summarize and analyze the article.

This week's posting is more complex than usual, but covers a very relevant topic as part of our study of civics and the legislative process and as North Carolinians. It will be worth 20 points. Please take your time and do a good job with this very important issue.

Have a great week. :)

19 comments:

  1. Jack Kleissler
    7th period 5/7/12

    1) Amendment one deals with the definition of marriage in North Carolina. The amendment proposes that the only marriage to be recognized or valid in North Carolina is one that is between a male and a woman. This in affect would make it so that homosexual marriages and domestic partnerships would not be recognized by the state. If the majority of voters vote “for” amendment one then it will be become law in North Carolina.
    2) An amendment will be added and change the physical constitution itself. Making it much harder to change later on. A law or bill can be gotten rid of or changed much easier than an amendment. That is what makes this such an important and controversial topic in North Carolina this week.
    3) In North Carolina gay marriage vote, its Bill Clinton versus Billy Graham
    Miranda Leitsinger, MSNBC.com May 7th, 2012 http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/05/07/11579197-in-north-carolina-gay-marriage-vote-its-bill-clinton-versus-billy-graham?lite
    This week in North Carolina amendment one is being voted on which gives the definition of marriage is between one man and one woman. T has stirred up a great deal of controversy not only in the state but also across the country and some major players have gotten involved. Former and current presidents Bill Clinton and Barak Obama have both said they are against amendment one. While on the other hand you have former presidential candidate Billy Graham who is all for the amendment. This article also touches on the financial aspects of the amendment, including health care.
    When people first look at this bill they think about gay marriage. Now that is a very important point in the matter but what some people over look are the domestic partnerships. Now these would become invalid which will cause these families and their children to lose their health care, drive away jobs and jeopardize domestic violence protection for women. In my opinion every aspect of this bill is childish and pointless. There are numerous problems with this bill and I believe the people of North Carolina will recognize that and vote down amendment one.

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  2. Luke Ciocca
    1. This amendment, also known as the Amendment One Bill provides that marriage should only be involved with a male and a woman. This amendment would allow for the marriage of two males or two females. It also provides that the amendment doesn’t apply to two private parties joining under contracts. I believe this refers to domestic partnerships. It allows for these homosexual partnerships but without marriage.
    2. An amendment, rather than a bill is a change being made to the NC Constitution for a new rule. Unlike this a bill is a subject or idea, which typically does not oppose to a rule/law specified in the NC Constitution.
    3. Lynn Bonner/ http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/05/06/2047216/amendment-on-gay-marriage-divides.html
    Luke Ciocca/ Amendment on gay marriage divides young and old, rural and urban
    News and Observer

    This article is from the news and observer and describes how the population of the state of NC has been mainly divided on the issue of Amendment One. Recent turnouts have shown a large number of people voting in both rural country areas mainly along with slight turnout around the triangle of Raleigh. This article points out that the age of voters plays a factor. As surveys show, the younger populations of 30 and under have support for gay marriage. This is unlike the population of 50 and older who typically don’t support it. By a greater than 20 percent margin, younger people of the ages of 18 to 34 supported the amendment more than people 55 and older did. Some other polls also showed that rural areas are seemingly more likely to vote for Amendment One. This may be because of the large contingency of Republican in rural areas. On the flip-side, democrats from around the triangle are seen to be voting against Amendment One. So far the voting edge has gone to the urban areas but they have been grassroots movements about the bill going on around the triangle. Most of these movements have been started up by campaigners against the bill. Throughout all this argument, however, the amendment still has a long way to go throughout the voting process.
    This article describes the conflict between voters in NC about this bill. It seems Liberals and Conservative have gone two different ways on the vote. The Democrats have leaned toward the against side while the Republican have leaned toward the for side. This bill may actually come down to whichever party can get their voters I the polls. Personally I believe the for side will win because of their willingness to vote where the young people of the democratic party will chose not to. These grassroots campaigns may muster some votes but the typical voters that show up usually are in their 40’s to 50’s. This may mean that due to that the law could be passed. While so many bad things have been said about this law, I personally think a bill like this may spark some interest and vitality in a sleepwalking Legislative (Both on a state and national level).

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  3. Aaron Smith
    1. Amendment One is about the laws of marriage in North Carolina. It states that one male and one female is the only marriage that will be legally accepted. Therefore, 2 males or 2 females could not legally be married and could not have a domestic partnership or civil union.
    2. An amendment is part of the Constitution while a bill/law is a topic or rule that must be followed but is not associated with the constitution. It is a lot easier to pass or remove a bill than pass or remove an amendment.
    3.
    Marriage amendment debate rages one week before vote
    WRAL
    http://www.wral.com/news/state/nccapitol/story/11041815/
    7th Period

    A discussion was held on Monday about Amendment One, with supporters of both sides attending. Supporters for Amendment One believe that it would protect families and preserve Christian values. While others believe it discriminates against gays and it will do more than just keep gays from getting married. Supporters of the amendment say that the only way to properly raise a child is with a mom and a dad but others disagree.

    I will be very angry if Amendment One is passed, people should be allowed to marry whoever they want and the government shouldn't have any say on that. 2 guys or 2 girls being married to each other isn't going to hurt anyone. I believe that same sex marriages will be just as successful at raising a kid than opposite sex marriages and that the amendment should not be passed.

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  4. The national debate over whether or not gay marriage should be banned focused on North Carolina today as voters decided if North Carolina should officially be the 29th state to pass a constitutional amendment that defines marriage as solely between and man and woman.
    In the countdown before the vote, members of Obama’s presidential cabinet expressed their support of gay marriage. Former president Bill Clinton pitched in as well, recording phone messages that urged voted to reject the amendment. Many opponents let their voices ring out through protests, television advertisement, speeches, and any other form of communication against making marriage strictly for heterosexual couples.
    Despite the widely spread support towards homosexual marriage, many people also support this constitutional amendment. The separation between church and state becomes thinner and thinner as campaigns are run and church leaders urge their congregations to vote for amendment one. Combined, both the supporters and the anti-supporters of amendment one have spent over three million dollars on their campaigns.
    North Carolina, along with nine other states, already bans gay marriage. An amendment would further slam the door shut on same-sex marriages and further divide families with homosexual parents. Only six days, all in the Northeast except for Iowa, support gay marriages.
    Although experts except the amendment to pass, it can also be predicted that there will be much division among the people who vote. There is clearly a large separation between the opinions of the people who are for and against amendment one. The following quotes provide a compare and contrast situation:

    “... Some people argue that the Bible may not necessarily be applicable... but even looking at nature itself, procreation is impossible without a man and a woman. I think it is important that the state of North Carolina’s laws are compatible with the laws of nature, but, more importantly, with the laws of God.” -Joe Easterling; voted for amendment one

    “... Everybody should have the same rights as everyone else, [whether] you’re gay, lesbian, straight -- whatever.” -Linda Toanone; voted against amendment one

    More than 500,000 voters have cast their ballot before Tuesday, May 8th, in North Carolina. No matter what the outcome may be, the inhabitants of North Carolina are making sure that their voices are heard.


    The fact that this amendment has even been introduced shows that America is fallible in its views. The separation of church and state was created solely to avoid allowing religious perspective to control constitutional rights. As human beings who are supposedly ‘equal,’ we are commended to respect each other, no matter what age, race, gender, or sexual orientation. History shows that Americans have struggled over the years to maintain racial and gender equality after countless strikes, speeches, and campaigns for justifiable treatment under the law. Amendment one should not be allowed to pass simply because it defies what America has grown to stand for. Do not let personal opinions destroy the foundation on which our country stands. It is wrong to let closed-minded ignorance become a deciding factor in the equality of humans in our nation. Vote against amendment one. Vote for a nation held together through our strengths instead of a nation divided by our fears.

    Article: Amendment 1: N.C. votes on banning gay marriage
    By: Emergy P. Dalesio
    Date: Tuesday, May 8th, 2012
    Source: http://www.mercurynews.com/samesexmarriage/ci_20574333/amendment-1-n-c-votes-banning-gay-marriage

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  5. Jason Cohn
    7th Period 5/10/12

    1) Amendment one says that marriage in North Carolina is only between one man and one woman. This means that marriages between homosexuals and domestic partnerships are not recognized in this state.
    2) An amendment is added to the constitution and changes it. This makes it harder to repeal than a regular law because it becomes a part of the constitution.
    3) Amendment foes vow no let up By: CRAIG JARVIS AND JIM WISE
    May 10 , 2012
    http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/05/10/2054969/amendment-foes-vow-no-let-up.html

    This article discusses the reaction of people against the amendment after it was passed and what they plan to do. They will continue to fight the amendment. There will be a seven day protest around the state led by activists in Durham to have all gay couples try to get a marriage license. These activists blame the passing of the amendment on the confusing wording of the amendment and they think many people did not fully understand it. They have even admitted that there may be a lawsuit in order to try and get the amendment repealed.
    I agree that many people may not have understood the significance of the amendment. It is the domestic partnerships that get overlooked in this issue because everyone is focusing on same sex marriage. I think it is not right that this amendment was passed because it shouldn't matter to anyone what other people want to do based on their religion. This amendment is unconstitutional because it violates separation of church and state in the United States Constitution.

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  6. Peter Norwood
    1) This bill prohibits all domestic partnerships other than one between a man and a woman.
    2) This has to be voted on by the whole state, rather than just the General Assembly. To repeal the amendment, another amendment must be passed repealing.
    Despite Amendment One, city of Charlotte will still offer same-sex couples benefits
    http://clclt.com/theclog/archives/2012/05/09/despite-amendment-one-charlotte-will-still-offer-same-sex-couples-benefits
    Summary: Amendment One was just passed banning same-sex marriage in the state of North Carolina. Even with the amendment being passed the city of Charlotte will continue pursuing their plan to offer domestic partnership benefits to its employees. Heading up this action is LaWana Mayfield, an openly homosexual governmental official.
    Personal Opinion: I applaud the city of Charlotte to continue pursuing their plan. I think they show a calm and mature approach. LaWana Mayfield could have been a wreck, posting hateful facebook statuses directed towards eastern North Carolinians but rather she is continuing to make a difference. She realizes that although Amendment One is unnecessary it’s not the end of the world. I share this belief with her, sure it sucks that it was passed but realistically gay rights will be generally accepted in a matter of time (thus repealing the amendment) and the unintended consequences were more propaganda rather than definite consequences. Individual cities like Charlotte can still have partnership benefits for employees, which isn’t perfect but better than nothing. Perhaps the other major cities will peruse this, and make the state a better place.

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  7. 1. The bill will effectively amend the constitution and legally recognize only a man and a woman as a domestic legal union in the state of North Carolina. The bill will be voted on in the first primary election of the year and statewide voters will be presented with the opportunity to vote for or against. Gay couples who have been married in other states will not have their marriages recognized in the state of North Carolina.
    2. An amendment will change and add to the state constitution. Once the amendment has been approved it is very difficult to get rid of. Bills represent ideas and suggestions that certain factions of the state hope will become law. Laws are rules that society must abide by to ensure the safety and efficient functioning of the state.
    3. Juno Park 7th
    Uncertainty for North Carolina same-sex couples after gay marriage vote
    Stephanie Siek 5/9/2012
    CNN.com
    http://inamerica.blogs.cnn.com/2012/05/09/disappointment-uncertainty-for-north-carolina-same-sex-couples-in-wake-of-amendment-passage/?hpt=us_bn1

    North Carolina has recently passed amendment one; the law confirming that the state will only recognize a man and woman as a legally married couple, in the process invalidating civil unions, domestic partnerships, and gay marriages. Many same-sex couples have voiced their disappointment in their state over the issue, but they do not predict that their lives will change too drastically. One of their largest worries is that their children will feel as if their family is not legitimate. The vote that took place on Tuesday showed 61.05% of 2.1 million voters were in support of amendment one. Almost all counties in North Carolina voted for the amendment except for those with large urban populations influenced by the modern university systems. 54% of Mecklenburg county’s voters were opposed to the bill, and 69.7% of Durham county’s voters were opposed the bill. Demographic studies show that black voters in North Carolina were very split on the issue. Some voted for the amendment believing that the Christian religion supported it while other religious voters were against it because they believed their God would encourage love and forgiveness. Now that the amendment has been passed, all that is left to do is wait and see how it turns out.

    I disliked that amendment one was passed and I really hope that not too many people are severely harmed by it. The largest argument I have heard against amendment one is that it would require gay couples to get more health insurance because they would not be covered by their significant other’s. It would have been much more convenient if this amendment had never been passed but paying more money does not seem like the worst thing in the world. However, it is unfair and should not have occurred since gay marriage is already illegal in the state of North Carolina. I was very interested to hear about the state’s voting preferences in relation to where the county is located. The counties surrounding the research triangle and those with large urban cities tended to vote against or were only short a small amount of votes. I wonder what the future repercussions of the amendment will be, and how it will affect the state as a whole.

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  8. Ms. Logan, its been real.

    1. It defines a family as a man and a woman together

    2. Its an amendment, so it is a structural change in the North Carolina Constitution versus a bill which adds on the constitution.

    3. http://www.wsoctv.com/news/news/local/amendment-one-raises-debate-about-businesses-choos/nN2Y9/

    People are starting to wonder if the passing of this amendment will negatively impact North Carolina's economy. For example, a woman named Christy Zeigler, who is a small business owner had decided to move shop. She is leaving North Carolina and taking the business with her. A handful of politicians in the area declared they are going too. One of them spoke more about how this was bad for business, saying when we discriminate with legal initiates we put a black mark on state. I can see very clearly how this could effect our economy. Our state went blue in the 2008 election for the first time since Jimmy Carter in '76. It seemed to be a turning point for our state and I believe there was a lot of draw for people to come here. North Carolina had always been popping but now we had a new edge. We were breaking down barriers and becoming more progressive. Then disaster struck, the Republicans regained control over the General Assembly. We quickly started to see regression in our liberal ways. Amendment one was the last horah! for the newly Republican GA. They took a very controversial topic and blasted it into action. When a state goes through such a public voting people around the country have their eyes on us, and to be else where and watch such a horrible thing be passed would not make me want to be in NC. I think this will restrict the flow of people pinning to be a North Carolinian. How sad.

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  9. 1. Amendment one explains that marriage between a man and a woman is the only marriage available and though many people are gay, they should suck it up and marry the opposite sex if they want to marry at all.
    2.An amendment is a change in the constitution while a bill is just a suggestion that someone might have that has to go through several committees until it can be a law.


    Jonah Horwitz
    7th period
    Amendment One: Anger in the Aftermath
    News and observer
    http://blogs.newsobserver.com/opinion/amendment-one-anger-in-the-aftermath#storylink=misearch

    This is not quite an article but 70 responses from all over the country responding to the passing of Amendment one on Tuesday in NC. Many aren’t just mad about the results but are just saddened by how people can believe in such a thing. Joe Beamon from Cary quotes, “Amendment One is doomed once we decide to be rational and come to understand what being ethical really means.” Others say how Patrick Wooden should be careful walking in the streets after his speech vigorously supporting the amendment. There was even a response that they are proud to be north Carolinians that everyone should get used to it because this is how it should be.

    These responses are all quite different but for the most part they are all saying what a sad day it is for America that such an amendment would be passed. This be messed up yo, America is a free country, many people can’t help that their gay but shouldn’t be excluded from expressing it! Dawg come on. It is crazy to see these people that support the amendment saying that they are shocked that such unions exists. Its like they shouldn’t be allowed to like eachother. I feel real bad for the LGBT community and I just hope that things turn out ok with them after this miserable week. Ms Logster, piece of trash.

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  10. Brian Mack
    7th Period/ 5/11

    1. If passed this bill will ban same sex marriage in North Carolina and become a part of the written constitution.
    2. An amendment that is passed with the majority vote becomes a part of the written constitution, meaning that the only way to repeal this amendment is to write and vote on a new bill, which will override the previous amendment. A bill/law is a change voted on by the General Assembly instead of the entire state, and doesn’t become a part of the written constitution.
    3. Amendment One, North Carolina Gay Marriage Ban, Passes Vote/ Martha Waggoner
    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/08/amendment-one-north-carolina_n_1501308.html

    On Tuesday the voting polls opened up for the North Carolina primary election. The issue being voted on was Amendment One, which states that a marriage may only be between a man and a woman. The unofficial polls show that 61 percent voted for banning gay marriage, meaning North Carolina became the 30th state to do so. President Obama’s cabinet expressed their opposition of the amendment days before NC citizens filled the polling place. North Carolina already has a ban on gay marriage, but this amendment that was placed on the ballot after Republicans gained control of the office following the 2010 elections furthermore prohibits same sex marriage. President Obama voiced his disappointment with NC because he believes that same-sex couples are entitled to equal protection under the law as straight couples.

    I am against Amendment One because I agree with President Obama in the sense that in America people should have the right to marry whoever they see fit. I’m ashamed that NC as a whole believes that we should place restrictions on love. I also believe that Amendment One attempted to trick some voters to pass the amendment by wording it the way they did. Hopefully in the near future the General Assembly will write another amendment that repeals the first amendment.

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  11. 1. This bill is defining marriage solely as a union between a man and a woman, becoming the latest state to effectively slam the door shut on same-sex marriages.

    2. Bills are in the Constitution as written by our founding fathers. Amendments are the changes made over the years, and required 75% yes vote by the states.

    3. Zunzun Aung
    7th Period
    “Amendment One, North Carolina Gay Marriage Ban, Passes Vote”
    By Martha Waggoner 05/08/12
    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/08/amendment-one-north-carolina_n_1501308.html

    This article talks about first amendment in North Carolina. First amendment has been passed which only allows marriage to be between a man and a woman. Therefore, same sex marriages are band. Unofficial returns showed the amendment passing with about 61 percent of the vote to 39 percent against. North Carolina is the 30th state to adopt such a ban on gay marriage. The article says that President Obama is not against same sex marriage, and supporters of the amendment responded with marches, television ads and speeches. Church leaders urged Sunday congregations to vote for the amendment. The Rev. Billy Graham was featured in full-page newspaper ads backing the amendment.

    I am somewhat disappointed in North Carolina; I had never thought that people would be so sexist in this state. I do believe in same sex marriages, I mean if two people love each other does it really matter if they are the same sex. I am totally against amendment one; however I do respect other peoples’ opinions. However, I think that maybe in a few more years this amendment will be changed, because people will start to stand up for their believes more than they stand up for nowadays.

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  12. Jayson Williams
    7th Period

    This Amendment has been trying to remove the law that marriage is defined as one man and one woman and no other variances including: not recognizing domestic partnerships.

    The difference between an amendment and a bill is an amendment has to be approved by our states legislatures and then by the people to vote on. A bill is a suggestion towards an amendment or an idea for new laws.

    Couple Stage Protest In Support of Gay Marriage
    The Herald Sun
    5/9/12
    By: Christina Holder

    A lesbian couple Meg Coward and Sarah Schwarts Sax legally married in a Massachusetts ceremony in 2010, and are now trying to obtain their marriage license in North Carolina. They were denied their requests for their marriage license while, Southern Equality Campaign supported their rights. Another gay couple Joyce Hefling and Michele Sager are an engaged couple from Durham who, requested their marriage licenses even though they would obviously be denied of their request. Heflin told the person who was in charge of denying the request, "can you tell me why-that I'm a taxpayer and a citizen and that I've served my country that I cannot be married?" Other couples have decided to get married in New York but, have found it difficult because as soon as they come back to North Carolina their marriage will not be recognized.

    I think that it's ridiculous that this amendment was passed because, this is one of the most discriminatory acts against gay people. Not getting married shouldn't be a privilege it should be your right as a human being to live a happy and fulfilling life. There's no reason why gay people should be denied the right to get married, letting gay people and allowing domestic partnerships really shouldnt be anybodys concern but the people getting married. This isn't just discriminating against gay people but people who are single parents also won't get the proper benefits.

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  13. Stefan Steiner
    7th period 5/11/12
    1) Amentment one is mostly a ban on gay marriage. It defines marriage solely as the union between a man and a woman. This amendment also limits protection from abuse within unmarried couples.
    2) Amendments are different from bills and laws because they are added to the constitution and they can only be changed by making another amendment, which is generally harder to do.
    3)Amendment one, North Carolina gay marriage ban, passes vote
    Huffington Post/AP
    North Carolina Amendment one passed Tuesday. Unofficial returns showed that the amendment passed with about 61 percent of the vote. NC is the 30th state to pass such a ban on gay marriage. Members of Barack Obama's cabinet have urged voters to oppose the amendment. Obviously, this plight didn't work.
    I am not happy with North Carolina. I think that gay marriage should be completely legal. I understand people that are against this but the amendment was not necessary. NC law already bans gay marriage so the only thing the amendment does is add some negative things that will be hard to change, such as the limit on protection of abuse within unmarried couples.

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  14. Justus Heizer
    5-11-12
    The Real Lesson of North Carolina’s Amendment 1
    http://colorlines.com/archives/2012/05/north_carolina_amendment_1.html

    1) Amendment one says that marriage in North Carolina is only between one man and one woman. This says that if a man and a man want to marry they cant or if a women and a women want to marry they cant.
2) An amendment is added to the constitution and changes the constitution. This makes it harder to repeal than a regular law because it becomes a part of the constitution but not impossible to repeal.


    This article is talking about the new amendment that was passed in North Carolina. The article said that marriages of the same sex is not legal in north carolina, but it wasn't just that it also talks about how any form of relationship that is not a legally married heterosexual couple is now illegal in North Carolina. Gay or lesbian members of our community now cant date at all without it being illegal. Obama our president even said that he was okay with same sex marriage so we had to make a vote on it in North Carolina. The vote turned out to be with the amendment to not allow same sex marriage in north carolina. Now there is a case to repeal the amendment. The people of North Carolina are trying to re vote on the subject to try and change it.

    Its proven that you don't get to choose your sexuality, your just born with it so you cant decide if you want to be or not. I am against the amendment and i think that it should be repealed. Most of our county voted against it but it wasn't enough to change the outcome. I think that if you find someone that will care for and look after you in that way and you will be happy it should be okay. If your partner is in the hospital and only close family members can visit you should be aloud to visit them and be by there side. If you are happy i think that that is the only thing that should matter.

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  16. Katie Alexander 7th Period

    1)This bill concerns the issue of marriage in North Carolina. It is proposing a Constitutional amendment saying that the marriage between one man and one woman is the only “domestic legal union” that will be recognized in North Carolina.
    2)An amendment has to pass through the state legislatures then it is given to the people to vote on. A bill is only goes through the general assembly. Also, it is easier to pass a bill than amend the Constitution.

    3) North Carolina Amendment 1: Newt Gingrich Encourages Anti-Gay Ballot Measure
    Amanda Terkel
    The Huffington Post, 4/23/12
    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/23/north-carolina-amendment-1-newt-gingrich_n_1447526.html

    Newt Gingrich came out with a video encouraging North Carolina voters to vote for Amendment 1, an amendment that would constitutionally ban marriage equality. Gingrich believes “marriage between a man and a woman is at the heart of our civilization.” He believes this “core belief” is now under attack. Gingrich said that radicals, such as President Obama are trying “to change what America is.” He also said that gay marriage will make “our children’s” future “much worse.” He ended the video stating that “this is your chance to turn out and vote and vote for preserving America, and to vote for preserving a very basic institution.”

    Newt Gingrich. Where to begin? First of all, I completely disagree with his statement. I feel that love is love and the government shouldn’t care or intrude in your personal affairs. Second, Newt Gingrich is probably is the most unqualified person to be talking about “preserving a very basic institution” or keeping marriage sacred. He has had two divorces, and is in his third marriage. His actions do not look like he is keeping marriage “sacred.” If America wanted to keep marriage sacred maybe we should outlaw divorce! Anyway, Gingrich’s comment on how “marriage between a man and a woman is at the heart of our civilization” is completely ridiculous. Newt Gingrich needs to understand that America is an extremely diverse nation, and in diverse nations there are gay people. I am tired of hearing certain politicians try to impose their religious belief that the only “right” kind of marriage is between a man and a woman. America is country that has so many different kind of people with different religions and ideology; so people need to realize that everyone doesn’t and should think like them.

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  17. Kiara Luna
    7th period

    1) This amendment explains how this state recognizes marriages between a man and a woman only.
    2) The difference between amendments a regular bill is that an amendment is involves a more complex process to undo than a bill does.
    3) Amendment One: North Carolina gay marriage ban passes
    5/8/12 by: Juana Summers, POLITICO
    http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0512/76081.html

    On Tuesday, the decision about Amendment One in North Carolina was made. The state voted on favor, meaning that same sex marriages are banned. This amendment means that civil unions and maybe other kinds of domestic partnerships will no longer be recognized legally by the state. This vote makes the state of North Carolina the state number 30 to ban gay marriage. The states votes were divided 60% in favor and 40% against. More later toward the year in the month of November the state of Minnesota will also cast their vote on the same issue.

    I totally disagree with this amendment. I think that all types of marriages should be accepted. Everyone should be able to marry the person they want to be with no matter their sexual preferences. This is just discrimination towards the homosexual people. They are humans and they should have the same rights as the heterosexuals and any other human being. It’s sad to see that the majority of the state is not accepting of the gay community.

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  18. Colin Schenk, 7th
    1. This amendment adds the ban of gay marriage to the North Carolinian constitution.
    2. An amendment will change and add to the state constitution. To repeal the amendment, another amendment must be passed.
    3. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/08/amendment-one-north-carolina_n_1501308.html

    Amendment One, North Carolina Gay Marriage Ban, Passes Vote
    By MARTHA WAGGONER 05/08/12 11:49 PM ET

    On Tuesday North Carolina became the 30th state to effectively slam the door shut on same-sex marriages. In the final days before the vote, members of President Barack Obama's cabinet expressed support for gay marriage and former President Bill Clinton recorded phone messages urging voters to oppose the amendment. Even with the presidents support the amendment passed with about 61 percent of the vote to 39 percent against.
    The one thing that upsets me the most about this amendment is how most people have made it out to be just the banning of gay marriage. Many people are looking over the many parts about domestic partnerships and relationship abuse. I feel strongly that this amendment should have never passed and I hope that there will be another amendment in the future to overturn this one.

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  19. 1) Amendment One does not re-define marriage, It re-instates a previously determined law that marriage is only between a man and a woman into the constitution. Being passed into the constitution makes it more difficult to be revoked, therefore makes it less unlikely gays will ever be allowed equal rights in the state of North Carolina. The amendment states NC will not recognize partnerships and unions, therefor gay couple and even some divorced citizens will not have access to the benefits of a marriage.

    2) An amendment is a physical change the the State constitution, while a bill/law is something that can easily be voted out or changed. An amendment is a much more permanent statement that will be difficult to eventually change.

    3) Cameron Baker. Period 7
    "North Carolina passes same-sex marriage ban, CNN projects"
    CNN, May 8th 2012, CNN Wire Staff
    http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/08/politics/north-carolina-marriage/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

    North Carolina states voters passed a constitutional amendment dealing with (and banning) same-sex marriage, redefinitng and clearly stating a previous law into the state constitution. More than 1.5 million votes were counted on Tuesday, and those who voted for the amendment surpassed those against by a ratio of 61% to 39%. This figures were taken from the State Board of Elections. While those who voting against were shocked and defeated, supporters of the amendment celebrated by serving wedding cake in a Raleigh ballroom. Tami Fitzgerald was the one behind "vote for marriage NC", the group supporting of the amendment. She was quoting saying she was confident that the people would "rise up and vote to keep the opposition from redefining traditional marriage. She also claimed to not be anti-gay. A spokesman for groups opposing the amendment announced that "The numbers are not looking the way we hope they would look."

    Although I am not personally affected by the passing of this Amendment, I feel strongly against it. Mostly from living in a very biased Chapel HIll, one of the few counties who strongly voted against the amendment, I have a basic understanding of the repercussions of this Amendment. Not only are basic rights being denied to gay North Carolina citizens, but they are taking away privileges married couples have always gotten from the state. The argument from those for the amendment is straight from the BIble's definition of marriage, but they fail to acknowledge the established separation of church in state in our government. Thus I find the amendment unlawful and ignorant, and those still relying on the "old ways" have failed to progress with the rest of society.

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