DOBSON — On Monday, the Surry County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution to support traditional marriage. Before voting on the resolution, however, it heard comments from individuals on each side of the issue.
Last week, the commissioners announced their intent to vote on the resolution supporting the marriage amendment. Although the commissioners’ resolution names the document as the “North Carolina Same-Sex Marriage Amendment,” county citizens have been quick to note its name as the Defense of Marriage Amendment.
Hence, last night, the Rev. Larry Phillips of Midway Baptist Church in Mount Airy began by expressing his appreciation for the commissioners’ stand. “I want to thank you, first of all, for what you are doing and your recognition and support for the defense of marriage,” he said.
“I suppose, by some, your actions are going to be considered unethical; they’re going to be considered unnecessary. Let me remind you the Supreme Court of the United States has constantly upheld that communities have a right to define and set the standards of decency. You gentlemen serve tonight as our representatives, and … you certainly have a right to reflect that in your policies and in your decisions.”
Speaking as a “concerned citizen of Surry County,” Robert Johnson read from Romans 1:26-27: “For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error…”
Representing the opposite side of the debate, Steve Motsinger responded that “we need to remember that there are relational, civil and religious aspects of the domestic partnership we call marriage. Primarily, marriage is about love. It happens when two people who love and care exclusively for one another decide to formalize their commitment to each other.
“The church is — and always should be — free to decide which couples it should marry. However, religious beliefs should never prevent a couple’s access to a civil union,” he continued. “Every person, regardless of sexual orientation, should have the freedom to choose a life partner and enter into a civil union to legalize that relationship.”
On that note, Mary Lou Spencer addressed the commissioners. “Do you have gay friends and family members? Do you truly believe these North Carolina citizens made a choice for their sexual preference? It is not a choice,” she said. “Do you deny that, if you are in a relationship, it was because of your sexual preference that you fell in love with someone of the opposite sex? You can’t. Partners of the same sex marry for the same reason. They marry for love, commitment and family.”
Judy Reed offered a counterpoint to Spencer’s words. “To the people who were talking about having [homosexual] family members and friends, I do. I have a family member; also have friends. I love them, and I respect them,” she said, before expressing that no one is born homosexual. “It’s things that the devil has put in their minds.”
“This is not an indictment against any lifestyle of any people, because I certainly can proclaim to you that I love all people that I minister to,” said the Rev. Rusty Reed, interim pastor of Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Mount Airy. “But please let me say there was a city in the days of the Old Testament — many, many years ago — [that] had the opportunity to make things right in their city. To make things right in the eyes of God. God sent a family there to teach those people that which was righteous in God’s eyes. That was the city of Sodom and Gomorrah. And God destroyed that city.
“With all due respect to those people who support the rights of people in gay marriage,” concluded the reverend, “it’s in opposition to God’s law.”
County commissioners respond to testimonies
Once the testimonies had finished, Commissioner Paul Johnson noted that he had received several emails and phone calls opposing the commissioners’ support of the Defense of Marriage Amendment. According to Johnson, some individuals had referenced Duke Energy CEO Jim Rogers’ statement that the amendment would weaken the state’s appeal to businesses.
“I would expect him to come out against the amendment, being that Duke Power gave $10 million to the Democrat National Committee, to sponsor the Democrat National Convention in Charlotte,” said Johnson. “He also said it was going to discourage jobs to North Carolina and Surry County. I disagree with him vehemently. In my opinion, it would encourage people to come to North Carolina, knowing that we are of moral fiber and stand up for what we believe in.”
Paul Johnson added, “Like my cohorts on the board, I love everybody. God has commanded us to love our brother and to love each other.
“But the sanctity of the family has been under attack for years and years and years,” he said. “Unless we protect the moral sanctity of the family, I’m afraid our nation as we know it is going to cease to exist.”
Commissioner Eddie Harris elaborated on why the commissioners chose to vote publicly on a resolution supporting traditional marriage. Critics have suggested all N.C. county boards should not voice their opinion on the state-wide issue.
“Some folks have suggested that maybe this isn’t a county issue,” said Harris. “But I think it’s important of citizens to know how their elected officials stand in the event that they do seek a higher office. It gives them a better insight into how they may or may not vote in the future. An educated public is always good for democracy.
“I want the public and the citizens of this county to know that I have always — my whole life — treated everyone with kindness and decency and consideration, no matter who they are, regardless of sexual orientation. I think that’s a great part of being a Christian, and I think everyone should do that. As this debate goes forward in our county and our state and our nation, I hope that the public discourse will remain civil and polite and kind. That’s the way it ought to be in a democracy; that’s the way it ought to be in America — we treat each other with kindness and consideration.
“Obviously, these are very emotional issues. They are emotional for almost everyone,” concluded Harris. “I cannot hide from the fact that I am a supporter of traditional marriage. It doesn’t diminish my love one bit for people who choose a lifestyle that I may not agree with. But that is who I am, and that was the person that was elected to this seat in 2010. So I hope we can all move forward and love each other and be kind to one another.”
“Thank you, sir. Very well put,” said Chairman R.F. “Buck” Golding, who then reminded the audience to vote on the Defense of Marriage Amendment May 8.
“Whoever turns out the most votes will win this issue. That’s just the way it works,” he said. “So thank God for that, and thank God for America.”
With that said, the commissioners voted on a resolution announcing their support for marriage remaining only between one man and one woman. Johnson made the first motion, which was seconded by Vice Chairman Garry Scearce. The remaining commissioners raised their right hand unanimously in support.
“The resolution passed!” announced Scearce, to a room full of cheers and applause.
Next, the commissioners will send their resolution to N.C. delegation. On May 8, North Carolinians will enter the polls to vote for or against the — as the ballot will read — “Constitutional amendment to provide that marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this state.”
Reach Josh Armstrong at 719-1921 or armstrong@heartlandpublications.com.
Then they laugh at you.
Then they fight you.
Then you win."
Ghandi
Fortunately, we have an opportunity to vote on a couple of our current commissioners in the fall. As an unaffiliated voter, I now have a really clear picture of who I should $upport in the upcoming election....anybody with a pulse who runs against them! This bunch of clowns blew more than $2,000,000 as they run Surry County's home health program into the ground over the past few years while focussing their energy on issues totally outside the duties of their office. Next time we will elect people with business experience, or a proven track record representing the interests of all the people in the community, not just those who still claim that the world is flat.
It's interesting to see people cast stones at others using specific passages from the Bible and then turn around and flaunt others. I for one do not dare act like I know which (if any) sins God thinks are more serious than others.
We are all guided by the Bible but our laws are based on the Constitution of the United States inwhich EVERY citizen is guaranteed "the pursuit of happiness." If someone finds the one person they want to spend the rest of their life with, who am I to say "no you can't?" It has absolutely no impact on me. We should all say "Congratulations!" and be so lucky. Why do I want my government to be able to tell a church who they can marry and who they can't? The government shouldn't be telling any house of worship what it can and can't do. This is the actions of a group trying to limit the freedom of fellow Americans and it is shameful. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.
Commissioners, you can now return to your pork dinner.
If Amendment One passes, children across NC could lose their health care and prescription drug coverage.
If Amendment One passes, the right of a partner (gay or straight) to make emergency medical and financial decisions for their partner would be in jeopardy.
If Amendment One passes, NC domestic violence law could be called into question, threatening NC victims.
If Amendment One passes, widowed senior couples could be forced to marry to keep their legal protections, which would cause them to lose benefits such as pensions, health care, and social security.
If Amendment One passes, NC businesses will suffer as our State will be passed up by national companies as a site for future jobs, and current NC businesses have indicated a desire to move out of state if Amendment One is passed.
The Constitution of NC will have been successfully used against its intended purpose as a tool to limit the rights of individuals instead of protection. NC citizens, who should all be given equal rights under the law, will be made to feel uncomfortable and discriminated against by their own State, Representatives, and fellow citizens.
Think I'm wrong? I have straight married friends even now rethinking their vacation plans to visit Surry county wineries, bed & breakfast inns, restaurants, and so would not be buying gas & convenience items, either. They have choices and prefer to spend money in more progressive areas. As a taxpayer in Surry county, it infuriates me no end to see such backwards thinking from the so-called leadership. People in this county need jobs. Business needs to be brought in, not run off.