Today, North Carolina adopted Amendment One, a state constitutional amendment that prohibits marriage equality and any form of legal relationship recognition for gay and lesbian North Carolinians.

While North Carolina already denies gay and lesbian couples the fundamental freedom to marry, Amendment One writes a ban into the state’s constitution.  The amendment goes beyond restricting marriage equality and poses a serious threat to the well-being of families, children, women and seniors in North Carolina.

Adam Umhoefer, AFER Executive Director:

“The passage of Amendment One is a profound injustice.  Singling out a class of citizens for discriminatory treatment is unfair, unlawful and violates basic American values. Gay and lesbian Americans, like their fellow citizens, want nothing more than to marry the person they love.  Committed, loving couples and their families should not be denied this most fundamental freedom.”