Minute regarding Amendment One proposed to the NC State Constitution which states, “Marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this state.

Raleigh Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) is called to respond to the decision by the NC House and Senate to put on the ballot in May a constitutional amendment limiting legally recognized unions to the marriage of one man and one woman. As a community of faith concerned with the welfare of our families and children, we must voice our opposition to this initiative. The actual and potential harm, in the form of enhanced social stigmatization, economic hardship and emotional vulnerability, to families and children far outweighs any conceivable benefit to be gained by our state by this misguided action. Out state constitution should defend the rights of every citizen and not be used to limit the freedom of anyone to pursue a healthy, family-centered life.

19th Day, 2nd Month, 2012