RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina Gov. Bev Perdue announced today her opposition to a proposed anti-LGBT constitutional amendment that would ban recognition of marriage, civil unions and domestic partner benefits for same-sex couples in the state.
“My top priority is creating jobs,” Perdue said in a statement released on Friday afternoon. “Too many people are out of work and I’ve heard from several business leaders who’ve told me that the proposed constitutional amendment will harm our state’s business climate and make it harder to grow jobs here.”
Perdue added, “I believe that marriage is between one man and one woman: That’s why I voted for the law in 1996 that defines marriage as between one man and one woman, and that’s why I continue to support that law today. But I’m going to vote against the amendment because I cannot in good conscience look an unemployed man or woman in the eye and tell them that this amendment is more important than finding them a job.
“In addition, a number of legal experts have argued that this amendment, if passed, could eliminate legal protections for all unmarried couples in our state, regardless of sexual orientation. Right now, my focus, the General Assembly’s focus, and North Carolina’s focus needs to be on creating jobs.”
The announcement comes after weeks of speculation over Perdue’s personal thoughts on the measure. The Democrat had refused requests by the media and activists for her to clarify her remarks or issue a more definitive statement. In fact, two requests for comment from QNotes to the governor’s press office were ignored.
