Durham City Council Unanimously Passes Resolution Opposing State Marriage Amendment

Among the many things for which Durham, NC is known is being an open and accepting community, and a model of diversity.  In fact, there is no racial majority in Durham.  This diversity crosses all lines; nationality, creed, lifestyle, etc.  Durham is widely known as one of the most friendly places to live for people in the LGBT community, and it's something of which much of the community is quite proud.

Durham is also a place of people who tell it like it is - one such person is Pam Spaulding, an internationally recognized authoritative voice in the LGBT community.  See her post on why Durham is where great things happen...for everyone - and as of last week, even more so for those in search of marriage equality.

NC: Durham City Council Unanimously Passes Resolution Opposing State Marriage Amendment Pam's House Blend

Pam Spaulding

At least my city doesn't stand for bigotry.

The Durham City Council unanimously passed a resolution today opposing a statewide referendum on a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. Councilwoman Diane Catotti did not attend the meeting but sent an e-mail supporting the resolution, Councilman Eugene Brown said.
The resolution is intended to send a message to the Republican-controlled legislature that the city opposes a push for a 2012 referendum on an amendment to the constitution that reaffirms a state law banning same-sex marriage. It could possibly invalidate other recognitions of same-sex partnerships, such as the city's domestic partnership benefits and lead to litigation.

The comments so far have been supportive, save the usual "one man, one woman" bleating by one. Chapel Hill and Carrboro are also on the record opposing the amendment.

Too bad North Carolina's General Assembly is chock full of anti-gay @sshats, and worse, pols who don't really care one way or another but will use gays as a political football to score points with the low-info "Christian" base.

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NOTE: In 2009, the Durham City Council passed a resolution (again, unanimously) in support of marriage equality. And I covered it live: