Today, I got an email from the Human Rights Campaign urging me to send an email to NC Legislatures about a bill that would amend the state constitution to define marriage as between one man and one woman. I filled out the form and within minutes, I got a response from Pricey Harrison. I’m copying the email below:

thanks for writing on this

I refuse to write bigotry and hate into our constitution

fyi, the bills are not going anywhere

Best

Pricey

—–Original Message—–
From: Jonathan Britton
Sent: Wednesday, March 18, 2009 12:31 PM
To: Rep. Pricey Harrison
Subject: Please vote No on HB 361/SB 272

Representative Pricey Harrison
North Carolina House of Representatives
16 W. Jones Street, Room 2119
Raleigh, NC 27601-1030

Dear Representative Harrison,

As a supporter of the Human Rights Campaign, I am writing to ask that
you oppose House Bill 361/Senate Bill 272, legislation proposing an
unnecessary, divisive amendment to our state constitution.

Our state is facing serious, daunting crises — economic insecurity, job
losses, a rising budget deficit, crumbling infrastructure — but some
want to take their eye off these priorities in an attempt to eliminate
rights for some North Carolinians.

HB 361/SB 272 does nothing to protect anyone’s marriage, but it would
take away even the smallest protections for unmarried couples.

This legislation would amend our state constitution to provide
that: “Marriage between a man and a woman is the only domestic legal
union that shall be valid or recognized in this state.”
This proposed amendment isn’t just about marriage — it’s about denying
any kind of legal recognition or protection to unmarried couples, even
something as basic as joint health insurance.

With the many economic and other problems we all face together, the last
thing we need is an unnecessary measure like this one, which serves only
to divide us. I hope you will vote No on HB 361/SB 272 and turn your
focus to legislative priorities that can help all North Carolinians.

Respectfully,

Jonathan Britton