North Carolina residents will go to the polls this Tuesday to vote on Amendment One, which would define marriage as being between a man and a woman in the state's constitution, banning both gay marriage and civil unions (for heterosexuals too).
The state already bans same sex marriage, but some particularly anxious lawmakers feel it's their civic duty to prevent gays from forming legal unions in the state's constitution.
The New York Times reports that recent polls of the state and an analysis of past ballot initiatives in other states suggest the measure is likely to pass.
I'm writing about it today because I've noticed that Amendment One has picked up some notable supporters in recent weeks.
First came Pastor Sean Harris who, whilst explaining his support for the Amendment, made national headlines for offering 'dispensation' to his parishioners to punch their children if they exhibit 'gay behavior.' Parents should squash that impulse 'like a cockroach,' he said, adding 'Give him a good punch, you're not going to act like that…' (See the Video below for the full details).
Then came Alex Wiles, a North Carolina man who filmed himself shooting a neighbors anti-Amendment One sign with his shotgun. 'So, somebody decided it would be a good idea to put this sign near my house,' Wiles says, putting on his shooting glasses. 'They ought to know not to put stuff like that near my house.'
To underline his threat Wiles then trains what looks like a 12-guage pump-action shotgun, taking aim and unloading two rounds into the yard sign. 'That’s how we do it ’round here,' he explains with a triumphant smile. 'That’s all folks.'
Then came Jodie Brunstetter, the wife of North Carolina State Senator and Amendment One supporter Peter Brunstetter. During a widely reported conversation with a freelance journalist, Brunstetter reportedly said her husband was the architect of Amendment One, and one of the reasons he wrote it was to protect the Caucasian race.
'The reason my husband wrote Amendment One was because the Caucasian race is diminishing and we need to uh, reproduce,' she said.
According to Daily Kos Brunsetter allegedly said, 'Caucasians created this country. We wrote the Constitution. This is about protecting the Constitution. There already is a law on the books against same-sex marriage, but this protects the Constitution from activist judges.'
Heartened by her alleged comments the Neo-Nazi and white supremacist site World-Wide White Pride posted the story on their website, underlining that the amendment had actually written to prevent the Caucasian race from extinction.
To recap, Amendment One is now supported by pastors who advocate punching gay or gay-suspected children, it's supported by sinister shotgun-wielding neighbors, it's supported by people want to protect the Caucasian race from extinction and by Neo-Nazis.
Once upon a time they used to wear sheets on their heads. These days their intolerance is worn right out in the open.
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.hollabackgurl | Jun 03, 2012, 04:56 PM EDT
IrishandProud, now that you and your 'family' have damaged the rights of other families to make their own arrangements tell me exactly how your blatant bigotry has strengthened your marriages? How?
IrishAndProud | May 11, 2012, 12:42 AM EDT
Agreed, Mr. Sinatra. I and my family fully support this amendment -- FULLY, I emphasize -- and a number of them are JEWISH. I wonder why Cahir doesn't note that people of extremism also OPPOSED this amendment? Both sides have their extremism...and if you'd like to know just how 'tolerant' and 'diverse' the obviously twisted author of this article is, just cross him, even once, on anything. You may even have to read this post of mine rather quickly, because he may well make my point by pulling it, once he sees it (trust me, this is experience, talking. This article is a case of the pot calling the kettle...).
MrSinatra | May 10, 2012, 04:32 PM EDT
i love how the left always, ALWAYS takes their POV, and says if you are against it, then you are in league with racists and neo-nazis.
nothing motivates me more to not agree with them, (and by them, i mean the left)
BrianO | May 10, 2012, 09:23 AM EDT
teaparty again falsely labeled as extreme, supporting the U.S Constitution and the bill of rights is not extreme, smaller government will mean less intrusion for all.
seanomelb | May 09, 2012, 01:20 AM EDT
then stand alongside the extremist teaparty.
Scrivner | May 08, 2012, 02:17 PM EDT
I want to know where the New Black Panther Party stands on this. You know, the guys who stand guard in front of polling places in Phillie to make sure people vote the right way.
bonjouryall | May 07, 2012, 08:05 PM EDT
I think it's ironic that this writer wants toleration and respect but gives none. Can't have it both ways. He also cherry picks the supporters of the provisions and imputes their reasoning as belonging to all that support the measure, despite his knowledge to the contrary. This is muckracking in its finest tradition. I will give him credit in one respect. Most liberals will use the R- word as a racial slur at the drop of a hat. The author did use the word correctly and upon actual evidence.
rainbowbrew | May 07, 2012, 12:03 PM EDT
I find it highly ironic that the RCC is all about life and savig the unbron but if they come out with a genetic difference they abuse the individual. Sexual orientation is genetic and here are a bunch of christians saying no we don't love you and don't want to sully the term marriage with your odd ways. I find the RCC to be highly hypocritical.
hollabackgurl | May 06, 2012, 10:08 PM EDT
The Catholic Bishops have been sending mailers to every Catholic household in the state. Most voters don't understand that no legal relationship other than man and wife will be permissible. No civil unions. No domestic partnerships. Nada. It's un-American.
racallahan | May 06, 2012, 09:26 PM EDT
It was interesting that the full page ad by pastors in the major NC papers this morning didn't include either of the NC Catholic Bishops.
hollabackgurl | May 06, 2012, 08:12 PM EDT
BrianO, marriage for most of its history was (and still is) an economic arrangement. The raising of children wasn't as important as securing an heir. The Irish aristocracy allowed their children to be foster raised by other ruling families. The idea that marriage exists to raise children is a romantic late 20th century idea and not at all in line with the facts. Homosexuals do come from families as you sau but you haven't explained how granting them equal marriage rights is an attack on the family unit. And no one anywhere has, because no one anywhere can. You should study the world history of marriage, your opinion on the issue is ill-informed.
seanomelb | May 06, 2012, 07:51 PM EDT
I find it amazing that the religious zealots posting below do not condemn the "punching of gay children" The Christian right are a godless lot. PiperMac rather a hedonistic life style the bashing gay children which you seem to condone.The article (Briano) is meant to inform us so we can condemn such religious hypocrites which you fail to do.
BrianO | May 06, 2012, 04:04 PM EDT
These articles are meant to divide people, most are in the middle, are not assaulting people, haven't been to a klan meeting in weeks (that's humor). Marriage is used because of children. If we didn't reproduce there would be no reason for marriage or a family unit. But we do reproduce, and the stable family makes for a stable society. The family unit seems to be under attack from all sides these days. My homosexual friends come from families too you know.
Intercessor | May 06, 2012, 02:39 PM EDT
I imagine that some people in Ireland would be appalled that someone in the States would take a gun and shoot a sign out of someone's yard, but one needs to understand that the politics in many of our States can be described as somewhat "weird!" In Texas for example, if there isn't a sign outside of a church statingm "No one can bring a gun into church," THEN, guns are allowed in Church! It is the Law! Some of our cultural differences need an explanation, because they are too bizarre to believe at face value.
Intercessor | May 06, 2012, 02:35 PM EDT
Sorry, Mrs. Brumstetter, but I think that it would be difficult for most "normal" heterosexual women "to reproduce" with a homosexual male! I think your logic is fatally flawed as most homosexual men would also not have a desire to reproduce with a heterosexual female!
BrianO | May 06, 2012, 10:05 AM EDT
seems like this article is written by a neo- communist.
hollabackgurl | May 06, 2012, 09:08 AM EDT
Most North Carolina voters don't realize that Amendment One bans heterosexual civil unions too, which is why it stands a good chance of passing. They'll be sorry they didn't educate themselves on the potential consequences of gay bashing later.
ProudCanadian | May 06, 2012, 01:27 AM EDT
I think that Pipermack52 and Murph should come out of the dark ages and join us in the 21st century. God is up there shaking his head at all of us and he is saying,"What is with all my children,they can't get along." If Jesus was here he would say no matter what you are you are loved. We have tarnished religion and the bible by our own interpretions. No one is saying that Hetetrosexuals should feel threatened. I'm married and very happlily so I can't figure out what right we have to tell two consenting adults what they can do or can't do with their sexuality. Wake up and smell the roses.
tombegs | May 05, 2012, 10:06 PM EDT
Perforce that list MUST include The Catholic Bishops' Conference and the Mormon Church. I could never make up that strange group of bedfellows. Maybe not exactly BEDfellows but close enough in my opinion.
hollabackgurl | May 05, 2012, 08:52 PM EDT
Some posters here are amazed that heterosexuals would willingly enter into civil unions rather than marriages, tacitly conceding that they are second tier arrangements and legally less equal.
hollabackgurl | May 05, 2012, 08:48 PM EDT
PiperMac52 I watched the video. The pastor says parents should punch your gay acting child. You should take the trouble to read articles before you comment on them, that way your comments won't be disregarded.
Murph46 | May 05, 2012, 07:41 PM EDT
Right on PiperMac52 what bias phrased headlines!
mamaginnty | May 05, 2012, 06:59 PM EDT
Goergefriggindillon, your the know it all on this site, see if you can answer all your own questions.
PiperMac52 | May 05, 2012, 06:38 PM EDT
Neo-Nazis, Pastors who condone punching Gay children...? What hyperbole for a headline constructed in obvious bias and with an agenda to paint all who support what has been recognized throughout human history and in every traditional faith as a given. You can mention any issue and there will be some fringe groups who will support it. This issue is about preserving our Judeo-Christian ethos on which this nation was founded. As George Washington stated:"...omly a religious and Moral people can uphold the republic." The morality he was speaking of was the laws of the Almighty/Creator which where understood without contention for 2000 years. Not the moral relativism that has become the accepted bane of a hedonistic culture headed for implosion just as all ancient societies that choose that route. We do not seem to learn anything from history.
seanomelb | May 05, 2012, 06:16 PM EDT
The above drones are GOP/teaparty supporters. It's quite sad that a GOP state legislature would act in this way and have someone like the fascist Brunstetters n their midst.You can always judge a party by the company it keeps. I wonder if the law is in breach of the US constitution!
rpbrown | May 05, 2012, 05:29 PM EDT
Oh wow this was extremely entertaining to read! I got a good laugh. I do fit the label "gay" and may or may not want to marry another guy some day and it's so funny to me that people get themselves so upset about something that has nothing to do with them. But the world is crazy and it is not surprising: if only we listened to our Kindergarten teachers who taught us to keep our hands to ourselves and if you don't have anything nice to say don't say it at all. But it is nice after years of fighting for equal rights and hearing so much unwarranted hate to hear kind people like you in support.
just4fun | May 05, 2012, 05:06 PM EDT
There are NO Caucasians in North Carolina only ninkumpoop animals that have no brains.
ProudCanadian | May 05, 2012, 04:39 PM EDT
Boy racisim and judging is alive an well and living in North Carolina. How do people live down there with Neo-Nazi, people haters and gun shooting ediots who shoot up there neigbourhoods just for something to do and film themselves doing it. Is there no law inforcement? I am a religious person and I thank god everyday that I was brought up to love everyone no matter of their race,creed or sexual preference. That pastor needs a straight jacket and a padded room.
Bythebay | May 05, 2012, 03:37 PM EDT
More US bias! And if you go to Arizona, don't forget your "papers" for the police suspician-based stops!!
GeorgeDillon | May 05, 2012, 03:24 PM EDT
Don't be so stupid, jamthecat. it certainly was not a "specious question". Maybe someone smarter than you out there can give me a reasonable answer, as opposed to your screaming nonsense. I repeat: The article speaks of "civil unions (for heterosexuals too)". What does that mean? Are heterosexuals entering into civil unions? And if so, why? What does a civil union offer that marriage doesn't? Is a civil union better than marriage? Jamthecat, you certainly showed yourself unable to deal with the many nuances of the question.
hollabackgurl | May 05, 2012, 02:05 PM EDT
kilgara if you dispute his claims you forgot to say why - and if you want to defend your own claims you forgot to as well. that does in fact make him a better reporter.
Nicomax | May 05, 2012, 01:43 PM EDT
After viewing the video of Ms. Brunstetter, and assuming the photo is of she and Mr. Brunstetter, there is really no reason to preserve the Caucasian race- actually some blending with other races may help.
kilgara | May 05, 2012, 12:55 PM EDT
This is "yellow journalism" at its' worst. O'Doherty, you don't know diddily about reporting. Why you were given a column is a major mystery{nepotism?}Hang it up!
hollabackgurl | May 05, 2012, 12:44 PM EDT
If all's that's standing between you and marrying a horse or your Grandpa or Brad Pitt is a piece of paper HermitTalker your marriage is already in more trouble from yourself than it is from gays. Got it?
hermitTalker | May 05, 2012, 12:34 PM EDT
Amazing logic, make marriage marriage -which it is by Natural Law- and should be non other in civil law either- otherwise it is against PETA to deny the family orangutang or pet monkey or family cat the "right" to marry lonely Grandpa or single sister Susie. Anyway the senator's wife deserve each other if they think this will Caucasians survive. The plural is Nazis, no apostrophe but the ones I know would not know that is incorrect, neither would the senator and his wife I suspect.
mamaginnty | May 05, 2012, 12:07 PM EDT
Why would heterosexuals not want civil unions ?
mamaginnty | May 05, 2012, 12:04 PM EDT
Guns, mad men, and ku Klus Klan.
eiriamach | May 05, 2012, 11:09 AM EDT
Jodie Brunstetter is a giant of intellect, isn't she? Somehow she knew what no one else realized before she went to the streets with her signs: that outlawing same-sex marriage will increase births among "Caucasians"! Somehow the white rate of reproduction will increase to ensure a white majority, once they remove marriage rights from LGBTs. Whaaaaat? Will someone please explain to me just how that would work? If Jodie Brunstetter were representative of the intelligence of white people, I'd become a eugenicist activist on behalf of increasing the non-white population, as the best hope of saving the *human* race.
PhlutiePhan | May 05, 2012, 10:50 AM EDT
With Willie Shakespeare and not Willie Clinton, "methinks, thou dost protest too much".
jamthecat | May 05, 2012, 10:34 AM EDT
GD, why would heterosexuals want to get married, considering how often they get divorced and/or commit adultery? It's a specious question meant to camouflage the fact that racists and homophobes are using sexual orientation to deny rights to Americans because they don't like them. No one's telling churches they HAVE to marry gay couples or that they HAVE to sanction these marriages or even accept them, if they're that scared of two men or two women loving each other. Gays just want the same rights and legal protections that marriage offers. What the hell is wrong with that?
johhnyb | May 05, 2012, 10:30 AM EDT
I'm glad to see that only one neo-nazi supports the amendment. Unless of course your apostrophe is in the wrong place.
GeorgeDillon | May 05, 2012, 09:37 AM EDT
"civil unions (for heterosexuals too)". I don't get this. Why would heterosexuals want civil unions?