Bill Clinton Records Ad Against N.C. Amendment
The measure that has a good chance of passing would define marriage as a union between a man and a woman.
| Posted Saturday, May 5, 2012, at 3:13 PM
Photo by NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images
On Tuesday, North Carolina could deal a setback for gay rights if voters decide to amend the state constitution to ban same-sex marriages and civil unions. Former president Bill Clinton added his voice to the heated debate this weekend by recording an audio advertisement opposing the amendment, reports the Associated Press. In the ad, Clinton notes that gay marriages are already banned in the state but the amendment could hurt North Carolina’s economy and negatively impact children. Meanwhile, those in favor of the amendment have released ads featuring Reverend Billy Graham.
The amendment is seen among the most restrictive in the country and opponents warn it is so broadly worded it could be used to discriminate against unmarried heterosexual couples, points out the Los Angeles Times. Voters will head to the polls Tuesday and the impending vote has turned national attention on North Carolina. Recent polls suggest the amendment has a good chance of passing, reports Reuters, with around 55 percent supporting the measure. So far, voters in 28 states have approved constitutional bans on same-sex marriages.
