12.05.2008

NC more progressive than I thought

The Associated Press reports that the city of Carrboro, North Carolina, has passed a resolution supporting gay marriage, sending it off to the state and federal government.

The bill was introduced by Alderwoman Jacqui Gist after California voters passed Proposition 8, amending the constitution to ban same-sex marriage. The resolution was supported and signed by Mayor Mark Chilton, and reads:

"Whereas, the denial of such benefits has been demonstrated to have significant psychological and social impact on the physical, social, and economic well-being of gay and lesbian couples and their families; and whereas the U.S. Supreme Court recognizes marriage as one of the ‘basic civil rights of man’ fundamental to our very existence and survival” and “one of the vital personal rights essential to the orderly pursuit of happiness by free men … [be it resolved] that civil marriage for same-sex couples must include all the benefits commonly bestowed upon opposite-sex couples, including, among other rights, healthcare coverage and related decision-making, privileges under immigration and naturalization law, survivor benefits, inheritance rights, and child custody.”

According to the AP, Carrboro is one of the most liberal cities in the south and is growing as many northern businesses move south.

Nice work, Carrboro.  You set a fine example.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Carrboro is close to the research triangle. (Raleigh/Durham area) People there are more educated and much more accepting of diversity. Many areas in NC are still sadly very biased on the basis of race and GLBT issues.