Minutes 01-24-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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e. Resolution Rectardinq Proposed Amendment to the NC Constitution That Defines Marriaqe The Board considered adopting a resolution voicing opposition to the proposed amendment to the NC Constitution that defines marriage and thereby promotes discrimination and authorize the Chair to sign. HRC Chair Barbara Marotto said that the HRC was given the task in part to make recommendations concerning problems in the field of human relationships and ways to promote goodwill among groups in the County irrespective of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry and national origin, sex, affectional preference, disability, age, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance. She said that the HRC looked at the upcoming Amendment 1 that will be on the State ballot in May. After much thoughtful discussion, the HRC recommends that the Board take a position against this amendment. She said that the amendment writes discrimination into the State constitution. She said that this is not the gay marriage amendment, it is the amendment that has marriage, civil unions, and domestic partnerships. She said that this amendment would take away rights and privileges for people who are in civil unions and domestic partnerships. Among other things, this amendment would deny people the opportunity to make decisions in emergency life or death situations. A RESOLUTION IN OPPOSITION TO AMENDMENT#1 THAT WILL APPEAR ON THE MAY 8, 2012 NORTH CAROLINA STATE PRIMARY BALLOT WHEREAS, Amendment #1 will appear on the May 8, 2012 primary ballot asking voters to decide for or against a North Carolina constitutional amendment that provides that "marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this State"; and WHEREAS, Orange County adopted social justice goals of which one goal is to foster a community culture that rejects oppression and inequity, thus the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color, religion or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or ethnic background; age, military services; disability; and familial, residential, or economic status; and WHEREAS, Orange County along with its local municipalities has adopted the Orange County Civil Rights Ordinance with the purpose and policy to promote the equal treatment of all individuals; prohibits discrimination in Orange County based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, familial status, and veteran status; to protect residents' lawful interests and their personal dignity so as to make available to the County their full productive and creative capacities, and to prevent public and domestic strife, crime, and unrest within Orange County; and WHEREAS, Amendment#1, if approved by the voters, would prohibit marriage between people of the same gender, and further prohibit the recognition of any other form of domestic legal union; and WHEREAS, Amendment #1, if approved by the voters, would be inconsistent with Orange County's commitment to equal rights and opportunities for its residents and employees and would impact the County's and its local municipalities' domestic partner registry and benefits;