HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES-2012-001 Resolution Regarding Proposed Amendment to the NC Constitution That Defines Marriage RES-2012-001 1/24/12 4e EY-,q0 ia - ao (
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.
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Bernadette Pelissier, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners