Plain English Summary
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment that would remove North Carolina's current constitutional definition of marriage as between one man and one woman. If passed by voters in November 2026, the amendment would take effect January 1, 2027, and would allow the state to legally recognize marriages between same-sex couples.
Arguments in Favor
Supporters argue this amendment promotes equality by allowing all North Carolinians to marry regardless of sexual orientation, ensuring same-sex couples have access to the same legal rights and protections as opposite-sex couples (such as hospital visitation, inheritance, and tax benefits). They contend that the current constitutional language discriminates against LGBTQ+ citizens and that marriage equality is a matter of fundamental fairness and human dignity.
Arguments Against
Opponents argue the amendment conflicts with their religious and traditional beliefs about marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Some contend that marriage policy should be decided through other means rather than constitutional amendment, and express concerns about potential impacts on religious freedom and organizations that hold traditional views about marriage.
AI-generated analysis based on bill text. Always verify with official sources at ncleg.gov. This is not legal or political advice.
Sponsors
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 18
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 40
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 112
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 88
Cosponsors (27)
Representative · District 114
Representative · District 71
Representative · District 92
Representative · District 36
Representative · District 102
Representative · District 41
Representative · District 100
Representative · District 61
Representative · District 50
Representative · District 30
Representative · District 49
Representative · District 56
Representative · District 21
Representative · District 115
Representative · District 66
Representative · District 60
Representative · District 31
Representative · District 11
Representative · District 54
Representative · District 57
Representative · District 98
Representative · District 29
Representative · District 116
Representative · District 32
Representative · District 107
Representative · District 103
Representative · District 34