Raleigh, N.C., Mar 22, 2012 / 23:11 pm
President Barack Obama’s reported opposition to a North Carolina marriage amendment is a “grave disappointment” that further escalates the “increasing confusion” about the nature of marriage, the Catholic bishops of the state have said.
“In his comments on the upcoming referendum in our state, the president regrettably characterized the marriage amendment as a matter of discrimination,” Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Raleigh and Bishop Peter J. Jugis of Charlotte said March 21. “While we are respectful of the office of the president, we strongly disagree with this assessment.”
The bishops said President Obama’s involvement is reported to be the first time he has entered into the issue on the state level.
On May 8 North Carolina voters will decide on Amendment 1, which would recognize marriage between one man and one woman as “the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in the state.”