Redefining NC Marriage Part 2

North Carolina is the only southern state in the US that doesn't currently protect marriage in its state constitution by defining it as between a man and a woman.
And this year, North Carolina is a prime target for redefinition.
Prior to Proposition 8 in November of 2008, courts in three states have overturned their state's marriage laws to include same-sex couples.
Could this be the year for our state?
Conservatives say it's only a matter of time before same-sex couples who obtained marriage licenses in another state ask a judge to redefine our state constitution.
Many base their position on the issues in accordance with their faith, but in 2009 more people of faith are on the fence when it comes to marriage being defined only as one man and one woman.
“You could understand it as a movement of the holy spirit--that they're choosing to be in loving monogamous relationships,” said Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Greenville Rev. Ann Marie Alderman. “I think we should honor that certainly as churches, but it would be nice if the state could honor it too."
Others like Rrector Robert Hudak co-chair of the Anti-racism Commission of the East Carolina Episcopal Diocese says for homosexuals it's as if the state's turning the civil rights clock back 50-years.
"Quite frankly they treat gays and lesbians--if they're white folks--the way they treated black folks years ago,” Hudak said. “It raises the issue of prejudice and bigotry and discrimination that exists across a lot of different lines."
The Town of Carrboro was one of the first town's in America to offer Domestic Partner Registration--a 1993 intermediate step toward gay marriage-- the Towns Mayor, Mark Chilton believes a vote even in 2009--won't be a win for either side.
"I think those statewide votes on that type of issue are a partisan political trick,” Chilton said. “It's a way for legislatures to shirk their responsibility for decision making...to put it off onto the voters."
A statewide vote would let the people of North Carolina define what marriage should be.
But it's something that even same sex couples have different opinions about.
Ian Palmquist, executive director of NC Equality, the states largest gay activist organization believes lawmakers should be more concerned with more pressing issues like the state budget crisis, healthcare and employment.
According to a public opinion poll published in the January-February edition of Family North Carolina Magazine, 71% of likely voters would support a constitutional amendment.
But in this democracy, nothing voted on is forever iron clad.