North Carolina Bans Gay Marriage

North Carolina Bans Gay Marriage, The national debate over g*y marriage focused Tuesday on North Carolina, as voters decided whether to make it the 29th state to pass a constitutional amendment defining marriage as solely between a man and a woman.

In the final days before the vote, members of President Barack Obama’s cabinet expressed support for g*y marriage and former President Bill Clinton recorded phone messages urging voters to reject the amendment. Opponents also held marches, put up television ads and gave speeches, including one by Jay Bakker, son of televangelists Jim Bakker and the late Tammy Faye Bakker.

Meanwhile, supporters ran their own ad campaigns and church leaders urged Sunday congregations to vote for the amendment. The Rev. Billy Graham, who at age 93 remains influential even though his last crusade was in 2005, was featured in full-page newspaper ads supporting the amendment.

Both sides spent a combined $3 million on their campaigns.

Experts expect the measure to pass, despite the state’s long history of moderate politics.

North Carolina law already bans g*y marriage, like nine other states, but an amendment would effectively slam the door shut on same-S-EX- marriages.

Six states – all in the Northeast except Iowa – and the District of Columbia allow same S-EX- marriages.

The North Carolina amendment was placed on the ballot after Republicans took over control of the state legislature after the 2010 elections, a role the GOP hadn’t enjoyed for 140 years.

Joe Easterling, who described himself as a devout Christian, voted for the amendment at a polling place in Wake Forest.

“I know that some people may argue that the Bible may not necessarily be applicable, or it should not be applicable, on such policy matters. But even looking at nature itself, procreation is impossible without a man and a woman. And because of those things, I think it is important that the state of North Carolina’s laws are compatible with the laws of nature but, more importantly, with the laws of God.”

Linda Toanone, who voted against the amendment, said people are born g*y and it is not their choice. (AP)