BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WECT) - Brunswick County commissioners officially supported a proposed amendment to the state's constitution that would define marriage as between a man and a woman at their Monday night meeting.
A resolution supporting the Defense of Marriage Act was a part of the board's consent agenda, which the board approved as a whole. Commissioner Charles Warren was the only dissenting vote, but it was not because of the same-sex marriage ban.
Before the commissioners made their decision, they listened to residents speak out on the issue. Members of Wilmington Pride said the resolution gave a negative image of the entire Cape Fear region.
Melinda Ervin, of Leland, said Monday's resolution will hurt her family, including her partner and her daughter.
"I'm a human," said Ervin. "I pay taxes, and I think it's fair that all of us have a fair shot."
Ervin said the resolution will hurt all families, especially children. She said the commissioners did not research the issue enough and now she's left to consider her future in Brunswick county.
"Why do I want to continue to put time and effort into community service and continue to build something that I don't believe in, that doesn't believe in me."
Jinny Quaglia said she believes in the commissioners approval tonight. She said the elected leaders did their job by voting in favor of the majority's opinion.
"Marriage should be between one man and one woman," said Quaglia, "and I think that most people agree with that."
All of North Carolina will decide if the Defense of Marriage Act and a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage is right for the state on May 8.
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