[Durham INC] A Model of Positive Advocacy

[Richard Ford]

I realize that I should have also suggested a positive model on how to handle the resolution. 

This is how the NC NAACP advocates against the Marriage Amendment, with respect and compassion for diverse views:

1. The NAACP does not and has not taken a position in support of or in opposition to gay marriage. The NAACP recognizes the issue of marriage rights for same-sex couples is a difficult and sensitive one. People of good will have heartfelt differences of opinion about it.

2. Most of us, when we consider issues of marriage and family, are guided by our religious and spiritual beliefs. The NAACP respects the different religious beliefs our churches regarding family life.

3. When the State of North Carolina is asked to put in our most important document an amendment prohibiting some of our people from making a highly personal choice, it places a matter of conscience and personal belief in the hands of the Government, not our churches and other faith communities. We support the constitutional right of faith communities to determine who they will and will not marry. 

I think our resolution was in the same spirit as the above. Shouldn't our letter be as well??

Dick


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