Gay marriage amendment discussed by NC Republicans

RALEIGH, NC (AP) — Republican leaders in the North Carolina
House are gearing up for a potential vote on a proposed
constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage.

House Majority Leader Paul Stam and Speaker Pro Tempore Dale
Folwell scheduled a news conference Tuesday to discuss legislation
that could be voted on during a session that begins Sept. 12.

North Carolina is the only state in the Southeast that hasn’t
approved an amendment restricting marriage to one man and one
woman.

It’s already illegal for same-sex couples to marry in North
Carolina. Gay marriage opponents argue an amendment is needed to
fight off potential court challenges.

Three-fifths of the members of the House and Senate would have
to approve the question before it could go to voters next year.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)