Blog 13 "Marriage amendment would affect many people, panel says"

This article is from the Winston-Salem Journal and I thought this would be  a great article to end on for my blogs. "A proposed state constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage would have unintended consequences that could hurt children, victims of domestic violence and others, according to a panel of legal and religion scholars at a community forum Sunday in Winston-Salem." The article goes on to explain why people are supporting the amendment, "North Carolina is the only state in the Southeast without such a constitutional provision. Same-sex marriage is already illegal by statute in North Carolina, but supporters say a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage would protect traditional marriage from being redefined by the courts" What many individuals against this amendment and other panels I have personally listened too from lawyers and other officials have said this does not just affect same-sex marriage it effects every one's family. They also say that individuals do not know this because they only have heard the first paragraph of the amendment and they are not explained what the amendment is about. I believe this is a civil rights issue not just for same-sex marriage but for everyone who are not married. If this amendment passes common law goes away. So many individuals will lose insurance from companies who allow domestic partnerships in their health benefits. Also, many individuals will lose power of attorney when dealing with loved ones in the hospital and other tragedies. Also, domestic violence laws will not be allowed to be used for individuals who are not "legally" married if you have a domestic violence case it is just looked at as assault and you only get a restraining order. You do not have the same rights as individuals who are married. This is why this is a civil rights issue because everyone deserve the same rights. Some individuals will be losing the rights they have had all along just because they do not want to get married. I believe any civil rights issue and discrimination is a social problem.

 http://www2.journalnow.com/news/2012/apr/16/wsmet01-marriage-amendment-would-affect-many-peopl-ar-2166456/