Greensboro, NC -- If state law already bans gay marriage, why then is there a need for a constitutional amendment?
The key is the current ban or law possibly could be challenged by a judge.
That means if a same-sex couple from another state decided to live here they could sue the state for their union to be recognized, but if a constitutional amendment was in place, there's no challenging.
Opponents of an amendment say it would send a message that our state is regressive.
Founder and CEO of Replacements, Ltd, Bob Page is openly gay and offers same sex benefits to his workers.
He and his partner have been together for 22 years and adopted twin boys from Vietnam 11 years ago.
He believes an amendment could keep other businesses from locating here.
"Corporate America I think is far ahead of the curve as far as rights for gay people as compared to our politicians and especially our politicians here in North Carolina," stated Page.
Republican and House Pro-tempore Dale Folwell said the ban or law in NC has been around for nearly 16 years. He added, if it has not deterred businesses from locating in our state, neither would an amendment.
"We have businesses in NC that already offer same sex benefits to employees. This Constitutional amendment does not change that at all," shared Folwell.
Page believes if this goes to a vote to the people that it will pass.
His hope is that a Supreme Court ruling would one day declare it unconstitutional.
Folwell said if it passes by the people only the people can change it.
WFMY News 2