Sen. Kay Hagan opposes amendment to prohibit gay marriage

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan is against a proposed
constitutional amendment that would prohibit gay marriage in North
Carolina because she says it would harm the state’s ability to
recruit business and jobs and have negative consequences for
families and children.

Hagan released a statement this week urging North Carolina
residents to oppose the amendment on the May 8 ballot. The measure
says traditional marriage would be the only recognized domestic
legal union in the state. State law already defines marriage as
between a man and a woman.

Other amendment opponents have argued the language would imprint
discrimination into the state constitution and discourage companies
with gay-friendly policies from building or expanding in North
Carolina. Hagan said the state can’t afford to give businesses a
reason to go elsewhere.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)