Breaking: North Carolina Anti-Gay Amendment One Passes By Huge Margin

North Carolina has just passed Amendment One, an anti-gay marriage ballot initiative that now bans same-sex marriage, and much more, like civil unions and domestic partnerships, directly in their constitution. Currently, with 35% of the vote in, the margin is about 58% voting “yes,” and 42% voting “no.”

Voter turnout has reportedly been very high in both rural and urban areas.

North Carolina becomes the 30th state to pass a constitutional ban on same-sex m,arraign, despite rising public support nationwide, averaging over 50%.

“Turnout about 1.1 million people so far,” reported Prop 8 Trial Tracker’s Adam Bink. “Total turnout in 2004 primary was 846K. Total turnout in 2008 primary was 2.1 million. Currently on track to beat that.”

The AP reports that a total of $3 million was spent on the campaign by both sides, and adds:

North Carolina law already bans gay marriage, like nine other states, but an amendment would effectively slam the door shut on same-sex marriages. The amendment also goes beyond state law by voiding other types of domestic unions from carrying legal status, which opponents warn could disrupt protection orders for unmarried couples.

Six states – all in the Northeast except Iowa – and the District of Columbia allow same sex marriages.

The North Carolina amendment was placed on the ballot after Republicans took over control of the state Legislature after the 2010 elections, a role the GOP hadn’t enjoyed for 140 years.

Joe Easterling, who described himself as a devout Christian, voted for the amendment at a polling place in Wake Forest.

“I know that some people may argue that the Bible may not necessarily be applicable, or it should not be applicable, on such policy matters. But even looking at nature itself, procreation is impossible without a man and a woman. And because of those things, I think it is important that the state of North Carolina’s laws are compatible with the laws of nature but, more importantly, with the laws of God.”

Linda Toanone, who voted against the amendment, said people are born gay and it is not their choice.

“We think everybody should have the same rights as everyone else. If you’re gay, lesbian, straight — whatever,” she said.

 

This is a developing story — stay tuned for more details.