[Durham INC] City Council Resolution on SB 106 and HB 777

[Mike Woodard]

This afternoon the City Council adopted the following resolution:

WHEREAS, throughout its history Durham has proved to be a progressive city in nearly every aspect of its civic endeavor; and

WHEREAS, Durham has proudly embraced the diversity of its residents; and

WHEREAS, the City of Durham has adopted and reaffirmed a policy of promoting equal rights and opportunities for employees of Durham City Government without regard to race, religion, age, gender, disability, national origin, color, marital status, or sexual orientation; and

WHEREAS, this Council has shown its commitment to making Durham a welcoming community for gay and lesbian residents by formally extending health care benefits to same sex domestic partners of City employees and their legal dependents in 2002; and

WHEREAS, this Council passed a resolution supporting marriage equality in 2009; and

WHEREAS, the North Carolina General Assembly is considering Senate Bill 106 and House Bill 777 that would place on the 2012 ballot a referendum to amend the North Carolina Constitution to prohibit marriage between people of the same gender, and further prohibit the recognition of any other form of domestic legal union; and

WHEREAS, the adoption of such a Constitutional amendment is inconsistent with the City's commitment to equal rights and opportunities for its residents and employees; could invalidate the City of Durham’s domestic partner benefits; and could lead to litigation;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DURHAM THAT:

1)	The City Council opposes Senate Bill 106 and House Bill 777.

2)	The City Council reaffirms its commitment to equal rights and opportunities for City employees and for all residents of Durham, including the rights of same-sex couples to share fully and equally in the rights, responsibilities, and commitments of civil marriage.

3)	This resolution shall be effective on and after its passage, and shall be shared with the members of Durham’s General Assembly delegation.

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Mike Woodard
Email: mike at mikewoodard.com
Web site: www.mikewoodard.com
Mobile: 919.599.5143