NC House is debating their marriage amendment referendum. Audio link here:

[struggle4progress]

http://www.ncleg.net/

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1. "... Amendment opponents planned candlelight vigils in several North Carolina cities Monday night

and a rally in Raleigh Tuesday. The opponents call the amendment unneeded and say it discriminates against gays and lesbians.

One opponent, the Rev. Ron LaRocque, pastor of Metropolitan Community Church of Winston-Salem, said he has started a fast to protest the amendment.

"My fast is a prayerful act asking God to enter the hearts of our legislators so they will not send this amendment to the voters," LaRocque said.

He said he would consume only water and fruit juices during the fast ..."

Vote sought on N.C. same-sex marriage ban.
Published: Sept. 12, 2011 at 5:31 PM
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2011/09/12/Vote-sought-on-NC-same-sex-marriage-ban/UPI-18211315863099/

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2. House substitute #2 for SB 514

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3. passed 76-42 2nd reading. 75-42 3rd reading

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4. Bill textr can be found by searching here for S514 as bill number:

http://www.ncleg.net/

This html link may also work:
http://www.ncleg.net/Sessions/2011/Bills/Senate/HTML/S514v3.html

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5. This crap will be sent to the Senate pronto, might expect vote tomorrow

:(

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6. Bob Hall's comments from last week:

"Wedge Issue - Marriage Ban Amendment
... Even the ultra-conservative Shelby Star says this is just an effort by Republicans to increase turnout of their voters with a hot-button ballot proposal; the paper opposes the amendment as a stupid intrusion of government into a personal commitment between two people ..."

Here's the editorial:
Marriage is none of the government's business
Friday, Sep 2 2011, 8:03 pm
http://www.shelbystar.com/articles/one-58127-government-republicans.html