dearbaby:

I would not be true to myself if I did not write today about the subject that is front and center on my heart. Today is May 8th, the day that North Carolinians will be voting on whether or not to approve the constitutional amendment to define marriage between one man and one women as the only legal union in our state.

If this amendment passes, it will mean that thousands of unmarried couples in our state will lose their rights to make health related decisions for their partners, and to healthcare benefits for their families. It can strip away domestic violence protections (a similar amendment did so in Ohio). It will take away many rights that our fellow citizens hold today. This amendment will effect young professionals and the elderly. Gay and straight partnerships. End of life and custody rights. It will directly impact thousands of children whose parents are not married. But there is a good chance this amendment will pass - Why? Because of the implications it has for the gay and lesbian community in North Carolina.

Gay marriage is already illegal in North Carolina but this amendment, if it passes, will ensure that the LGBT community will not have the rights associated with civil unions or domestic partnerships either.

I think about how this amendment will impact my children. I can not predict who they will grow up to love. I can not predict if or when they will get married or have children of their own - and it is my duty as their mother to do everything in my power to vote against an amendment that could impact their future rights….