The DOMA Monitor 

Events

The Center for Women, Ethics and Public Life at Meredith College will host a free panel discussion, "Amendment 1: Religious and Political Dimensions of Same Sex Marriage in North Carolina" on Monday, March 26, at 7 p.m. at Jones Auditorium, 3800 Hillsborough St. in Raleigh. Speakers include the Rev. Nancy Petty of Pullen Memorial Baptist Church, who is openly gay and has spoken against the amendment, and the Rev. Patrick Wooden of Upper Room Church of God in Christ, who supports the measure. For more information, call 760-8801.

Ten improv and stand-up comedy acts will appear at 8 p.m. on Sunday, April 1, at The ArtsCenter in Carrboro to benefit the Coalition to Protect North Carolina Families. The show, called "Funny People for Love and Justice," features local performers including Adam Cohen, Jenny Chalikian, Tom Keller and Brad Schnurr. Tickets are $10 and will be available at the door at The ArtsCenter, 300-G E. Main St.

Who's against?

In a rare commentary on North Carolina politics, a campaign spokesman for President Barack Obama told The News & Observer the president is opposed to "divisive and discriminatory efforts to deny rights and benefits to same sex couples," including Amendment 1.

The Durham City Council passed a resolution opposing Amendment 1 and encouraging voters to do the same. Durham Mayor Bill Bell will vote against the amendment, he said in a statement to the Coalition to Protect N.C. Families—it's bad for North Carolina, he said. According to the coalition, Durham is also one of nine municipalities in the state that offers benefits to same-sex partners, such as family health insurance coverage. Watch a video featuring Bell on ProtectNCFamilies' YouTube channel.

Who's for?

Pastors and church members are convening March 31 for the Stand Strong Together Conference presented by the Concerned Women for America of North Carolina. Organizers of the free Charlotte event believe that "marriage is under assault by the culture." Speakers include Tami Fitzgerald of the N.C. Values Coalition, N.C. House Majority Whip Ruth Samuelson, R-Mecklenburg, and Mark Harris, senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Charlotte. More info at cwfa.org.

The Durham Republican Party passed a resolution at its convention over the weekend in support of Amendment 1. The resolution urges voters to vote "yes" on the amendment, stating in part that the change "in no way diminishes the existing rights and liberties of all North Carolinians," and that "the citizens of North Carolina can revoke this amendment in the future, should they so wish." More info at durhamgop.com.