Republican state representatives joined by ten Democratic support Monday night passed a May ballot referendum on defining marriage 75-42.
Current state law already defines marriage between one man and one woman, but voters could decide if this ban on gay marriage should be part of the North Carolina State Constitution.
Hundreds of amendment supporters rallied at the State Legislative building Monday morning.
"Allow the six million voters registered in this state an opportunity to vote on whether to strengthen marriage and put one more lock on the door if you will for marriage in this state," said rally organizer Dr. Patrick Wooden of Raleigh's Upper Room Church of Christ in God.
Supporters like Pastor Wooden argue an amendment better protects traditional marriage against potential legal challenges by same-sex partners married in six other states.
Opponents are equally fired up. The group Equality NC says it delivered nearly 50,00 postcards opposed to the amendment and called it discriminatory.
"It bans same sex marriage benefits, as the state already does, civil unions and strips domestic partnership benefits for public employees," said Jen Jones of Equality NC.
While some in the religious community said an amendment strengthens North Carolina family values, Jones sees it differently. "It is really bad for North Carolina families. It can impact end of life wishes, custody of children. Overall, it's super discriminatory."
Her group along with other opponents held a candle light vigil Monday evening across from the Legislative building in hopes of stopping the state Senate from approving the question to voters.
The idea for a referendum stalled under Democratic leadership in the past decade.
Now with Republicans in charge of the General Assembly for the first time in 140 years, social conservatives found their voice and their vote.
"This is about putting a question to the people," said House Speaker Thom Tillis, R- Mecklenburg. "This is about something that's been going on for decades and this is an opportunity for the people to make a decision on this issue."
Rep. Paul Leubke, D-Durham, is among the opponents.
"What this amendment does is discriminate against gay and lesbian people in this state. It singles out a group."
Senators will vote on the matter next.
Their session is expected to wrap-up by Wednesday evening.
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