Sadly I am afraid that Amendment 1 will pass in North Carolina. This is the amendment to the state constitution that defines marriage between one man and one woman to be the only recognized union in the state. I’m distressed by this outcome. I’m distressed that a segment of the population of my state would look to restrict the liberty of another segment.
I get the arguments. I understand that Christians may feel that homosexuality is a sin. I get that people think the point of marriage is to generate children. I get all that. But even if it’s true, even if being gay is a sin, that isn’t the litmus we use to pass legislation.
I am VERY clear that taking the Lord’s name in vain is a sin. Yet none of us would think to legislate that into law. Again, I am sure that failing to keep the sabbath holy is a sin, yet again, we wouldn’t dream of codifying it.
The fact that a thing is, or MAY be a sin, simply isn’t reason enough to erect state laws.
With that said, in my disappointment in my state, I find the process fascinating. There are things that a state can do that the federal government can’t. And regulating marriage is one of those things. A state may decide that the age of consent is 16, or 17 or 18. That state may allow exceptions with parental consent.
Some states require blood tests. Test to determine if the betrothed carry infectious disease. Or are related. States get to regulate marriage. And though I don’t agree with that regulation, it would seem that the proponents of the amendment followed the process. They petitioned the government. That government listened and struck an amendment that made its way to the ballot. And, if the polling is right, will pass.
States have the right to regulate things in a way and manner that the federal government does not.
And here is where I’m conflicted. I certainly hope that the courts take this up and rule that the amendment isn’t valid. We simply can’t stipulate advantage for one group of people over another. On the other hand, the people of the State of North Carolina have spoken. Perhaps we are obligated to live with the unfortunate consequences.
If only we had done the right thing and voted this thing down.
