North Carolina

Yesterday, the North Carolina State House voted to approve a marriage protection amendment 75-42, or 64%. Today, the State Senate voted 30-16, or 65%. Only 60% was needed for passage, so it will be on the ballot in May of 2012.

That change of date from next year's general election was made at the last minute before the House voted. I haven't seen much explanation of why it was made, though the official reason was something like we don't want is seen as being politically motivated, as a way to draw more GOP voters to the polls for a presidential election. That explanation, of course, doesn't pass the smell test, simply because a Republican said it. My theory is that the GOP base will swarm to the polls to choose a GOP prez. candidate (if the choice still needs to be made in May), but Obama is running unopposed so issue is the only reason for Dem voters to bother to vote. Was the general election getting too close to call?

The governor has no veto over constitution amendments. It is expected to pass easily. This is the South.

Alvin McEwen reminds us that while the anti-gay crowd sounds so silly when they spout off we should not idly dismiss them. They hold a lot of power. For example, they helped write the text of the amendment. These groups lie a lot. Don't dismiss them. Expose their lies.

An example of one of those (I'll be kind) deceptions: When the amendment came before the House for debate, the public was barred from participating. Why? Majority Leader Paul Stam (R) said the “public won’t get to speak because they will get to speak at the ballot box.”