HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 01-24-2012 - 4e 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: January 24, 2012
Action Agenda
Item No. �- -e
SUBJECT: Resolution Regarding Proposed Amendment to the NC Constitution That
Defines Marriage
DEPARTMENT: Housing, Human Rights, and PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
Community Development
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Resolution Tara Fikes, 245-2490
PURPOSE: To adopt a resolution voicing opposition to the proposed amendment to the NC
Constitution that defines marriage and thereby promotes discrimination.
BACKGROUND: On February 22, 2011, a bill was introduced in the North Carolina General
Assembly to amend the North Carolina Constitution. The proposed Amendment stated,
"Marriage between a man and a woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or
recognized in this state."
On September 14, 2011, the North Carolina General Assembly, after three readings, ratified a
proposed Amendment to Article 14 of the North Carolina Constitution by adding a new section
to read as follows:
"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."
Registered voters shall determine whether the proposed amendment will be approved.
However, the language that will appear on the May 8, 2012 North Carolina State Primary Ballot
regarding the Proposed Amendment will be in the following format to the voters of the State:
"(J FOR �J AGAINST
Constitutional amendment 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."
The exact text of the proposed amendment will not be included on the ballot.
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The Orange County Human Relations Commission (HRC) believes that in order to achieve
justice and equal opportunity for all Orange County residents, everyone must strive to create an
atmosphere where people are valued and accepted, and therefore continue to promote the ideal
of social justice for all. The Commission works to implement these goals through
implementation of the Civil Rights Ordinance and the Social Justice Goal adopted by the Board
of County Commissioners.
The HRC believes that the Proposed Amendment, if approved, writes discrimination into the
State's Constitution. Codifying discrimination constitutionally is inconsistent with Orange
County's commitment to social justice and continued efforts to make freedom, justice, and equal
opportunity available to all.
At its proposed October 13, 2011 meeting, the HRC unanimously approved a Resolution, for
adoption by the Board of County Commissioners, voicing opposition to a Constitutional
Amendment that would discriminate against members of the LGBTQ community by denying
them the rights and privileges of marriage and/or civil unions.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with consideration of the
resolution.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board adopt the Resolution and
authorize the Chair to sign the resolution.
� �. s - �o� a - �01 3
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
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;
NOW, THEREFORE IT RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of County Commissioners
re-affirms its commitment to social justice, equal rights and equal opportunity for all residents of
Orange County.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of County Commissioners
opposes the proposed Amendment #1 that will appear on the May 8, 2012 North Carolina
primary ballot.
This the 24h day of January, 2012.
Bernadette Pelissier, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners