McCrory's Move to the Right

From Tim Funk at the Charlotte Observer:

[P]ress Pat McCrory about gay marriage, and the presumptive Republican nominee for governor will say this much – and little more: On May 8, he plans to vote for the proposed N.C. constitutional amendment reaffirming the state’s ban on same-sex marriage.

I respect Pat McCrory alot. He’s my kind of Republican. So, when he comes down in favor of the same sex amendment, I have to pay attention. I also happen to be married to someone who believes not only in the power of the institution, but also that those who choose to live together without being married too easily go their separate ways, often to the detriment of their children and the rest of us who have to pick up the bill.

Obviously, I blame the NC legislature and the Christian fundamentalists for failing to frame this argument in a way which would be less inflammatory. There are common sense arguments for preserving the sanctity of marriage which have nothing to do with the wedge issues of gays or religion. One of these arguments is that married couples of all kinds represent stronger societal elements than those who choose to live together. Of course, the existing statute is sufficient defense of marriage between a man and a woman, but a lot of people are going to also vote to confirm that statute with a referendum, whether we need it or not, for the same fiscal reasons they support the statute. After all, those who have agreed to the legal tenets of matrimony are not very likely to be sympathetic to those who have not.

I know people my age who have never been married and I can’t help but think their lives are less rich than mine, just as those who have children believe we have missed something essential by not having them. There is no amendment requiring that all married couples have children, but the sentiment is similar.

Therefore, I am against NC Amendment One for its reinforcement of proscription of same-sex marriage. However, I understand the desire of those who value the sacrament to reaffirm their belief by voting for it, despite the potential consequences for gays and those in domestic partnerships and civil unions. Approval of the badly worded amendment may require that gays and non-married couples appeal to the legislature for further protection. The reality is that as a married man I must respect those who wish to defend the institution, even as I am offended by reasons of hatred and intolerance.