NC Marriage Protection Amendment
On this page, you can access several resources dealing with the proposed State Marriage Protection Amendment and information on past and future events to educate on the need for traditional marriage.

The Marriage Debate
Across America, the debate is raging over marriage and its importance to society. Some would like to redefine marriage to include two people of the same sex. In some cases, proponents want the bundle of legal and economic rights that married couples have, while others want to change society and the very definition of family. Still others want their relationship recognized and celebrated by society.

In September of 2011, SB 514—Defense of Marriage passed the North Carolina General Assembly. The bill gives registered voters in North Carolina the opportunity to place the definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman in the North Carolina Constitution on May 8. The amendment reads:

"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."

Far from being discriminatory, as opponents of the amendment claim, the amendment allows the people of North Carolina to reserve unto themselves the definition of marriage—taking this important definition out of the hands of activist judges and even the legislature. Placing the amendment in the Constitution will not mean that marriage can never be redefined in North Carolina, but if it is, then it will be by a 3/5 vote in the House of Representatives and the Senate, and a vote by the people of our state. There is no discrimination in this process and the amendment itself protects the institution of marriage.

We hope you will educate yourself about the importance of marriage to our society and will then commit to let your voice be heard on this vitally important issue. Here are some things you can do today and in the coming weeks to help protect marriage in North Carolina.

1. Pray that God's wisdom and and understanding would permeate the debate and discussion on this issue.
   
2. Educate yourself about the the importance of marriage and about the amemdment. There are numerous resources available on this website as we have been working for strong marriages for over 20 years. Our Talking Points two-page PDF provides concise arguments and answers opponents objections.
   
3. Engage members of your church or study group in discussions about marriage. Many young people today want to be married, but they have seen too much divorce, and don't understand the positive aspects of marriage.
4. Encourage members of your church to vote for this important Constitutional Amendment. Download the MPA Bulletin Insert and use it during early voting and the Sunday before the May 8 Primary.
   
5. Please use our marriage-related resources and share them with your family, friends, neighbors or co-workers.
   
6. Write letters to the editor or submit an op-ed to your local newspaper in support of marriage and the Marriage Protection Amendment. There is much mis-information out there and it will take some effort to make sure citizens know the truth about this issue.