Why vote FOR Marriage?

Several years ago, I was faced with a decision whether to sign a document for a friend who was in a homosexual relationship for 8 years at the time.  They were moving to Canada to be closer to his partner’s aging parents.  They needed signatures from friends and family agreeing, knowing, and supporting their relationship.  I couldn’t sign it, I knew about their relationship, but I didn’t agree nor support it.  Even though everyone else signed this document, I didn’t make a big deal over it; the document was returned without my signature.  We talked about it later and all was ok, he lovingly understood, and I lovingly stood true to my convictions.  We are true friends and even though he lives clear across the country, we talk often and respect each other tremendously.  My respect for him personally is stronger due to this exchange, I think.

Recently, he informed me that while in Canada, they had the opportunity to enter into a marriage, but decided against it, neither felt that was what they wanted.  He told me;

“Regarding same-sex marriage, we could have gotten married in Canada.  We have chosen not to.I think the controversy is over the word "marriage".  Perhaps the gay community should have fought for the same rights as married heterosexuals, while leaving that word out of the fight.  After 22 years of monogamous relationship, which has harmed no one, I expect, and will continue to demand the same rights as heterosexual couples.”

Redefining marriage as a genderless institution has consequences. First, public schools will be legally required to teach same-sex marriage on an equal footing with traditional marriage. It will therefore take away the most fundamental right that parents have - to raise their children according to values they hold dear and according to their rights of religious conscience. James Madison said: "Conscience is the most sacred of all property - our greatest possession."

After studying the amendment addition, nothing will change as the opposition is screaming.  There will be only ONE thing that will not be able to ever change…that of what the union called marriage will consist of:  One man and One woman.  Nothing else will change, insurance companies will still have the same issues, the schools and other public institutions will not have the public freedom to encourage, push, or otherwise the union of couples of the same sex as a viable and publicly approved lifestyle.

Session Law 2011-409/Senate Bill 514

AN ACT TO AMEND THE CONSTITUTION TO PROVIDE THAT MARRIAGE BETWEEN ONE MAN AND ONE WOMAN IS THE ONLY DOMESTIC LEGAL UNION THAT SHALL BE VALID OR RECOGNIZED IN THIS STATE. (NC).

SECTION 1. Article 14 of the North Carolina Constitution is amended by adding the following new section:  "Sec 6. Marriage.

Marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this State. This section does NOT prohibit a private party from entering into contracts with another private party; nor does this section prohibit courts from adjudicating the rights of private parties pursuant to such contracts."

This whole issue has gone off track with one term, Marriage.  There are things in our world that should never change; the traditional family unit with one father and one mother caring for their children.  This is a vital part of our society, a part that keeps the rest of all the confusing aspects of our communities sane and grounded.