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Chapel
Hill, N.C., recently voted 8-0 against supporting an amendment to the
state constitution that would ban same-sex marriages and civil unions.
Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, considered to be a much more cosmopolitan
city by some and definitely a great deal larger in population and land
mass, has the dubious honor of being one of the first counties to jump
on board in support of that same state amendment.
Mecklenburg County Commission resolution supporting same-sex marriage resolution
Date: 6-1-04 • Votes: For=4 Against=3
Vote to approve a resolution supporting a bill in the North Carolina Senate
seeking a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. North Carolina
Sen. James Forrester (R-Gaston) is sponsoring the constitutional amendment
banning same-sex marriage. His proposal and a similar one in the House
would need the votes of three-fifths of both the House and Senate before
being put before voters.
Note the date this was approved. Note the split in vote mirrors the state
of the Mecklenburg County Commission at the time: Republicans outnumbered
Democrats. Times have changed and Democrats currently outnumber Republicans.
Albeit symbolic, this resolution is a shameful, embarrassing blot on
the face of the Queen City — it shows contempt and prejudice sanctioned
by the government.
Now that Democrats are in the majority, I call upon the Mecklenburg County
Commission to repeal this resolution so that the rest of the world can
see how compassionate — and truly cosmopolitan — this city
can be.
In years past other anti-gay resolutions — generally spearheaded
by Republican Bill James — have later been repealed. For example:
Arts Resolution
Date: 4-2-97 • Votes: For=5 Against=4
Vote for a resolution to stop public funding for arts productions that
threaten “traditional family values.”
Resolution Repeal
Date: 2-16-99 • Votes: For=8 Against=1
Vote to repeal a resolution from 1997 that placed restrictions on funding
to arts that portrayed “perverted forms of sexuality” that “deviate
from the value and societal role of the traditional American family.”
Resolution Repeal
Date: 2-16-99 • Votes: For=8 Against=1
Vote to repeal a resolution from 1997 that placed restrictions on funding
of counseling on sexuality for minors without parental consent. This restriction
was set off by anti-gay fears that counselors might offer youth an excepting
view of homosexuality.
Disdain and intolerance from Mayor Pat McCrory, County Commissioner James,
former Commissioner Ruth Samuelson and former mayor turned U.S. Rep.
Sue Myrick towards this region’s vibrant LGBT community makes our
city seem like a small-minded, backwards lot.
I firmly believe that repealing this resolution would be a monumentally
positive gesture for the city’s gay and lesbian community. In effect,
telling them that they, too, are welcome to live as who they are in the
place they choose to call home.
Furthermore, the move will capture national attention — no such
resolution in support of a same-sex marriage amendment has been rescinded
to date.
Imagine the positive publicity generated by such a move. Charlotte can
be known around the world as a forward-thinking, open-minded place where
people from all walks of life can live free of bigotry.
To the readers, I call upon you to contact the County Commissioners who
can have an impact on this decision and let them know your feelings on
the matter, too. You’ll find their contact information listed below.
Parks Helms
704-372-4884
phelms@helmshenderson.com
Wilhelmenia Rembert
704-336-2641
wirembert04@bellsouth.net
Jennifer Roberts
704-336-2574
roberjw@co.mecklenburg.nc.us
Norman A. Mitchell, Sr.
704-399-3061
normanam@aol.com
Valerie Woodard
704-537-8958
2woodard@bellsouth.net
Dumont Clarke
704-331-1051
dumontclarke@mvalaw.com
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