North Carolina is holding its primary election on May 8. The ballot will include a vote on an amendment to the NC constitution that would put the following language into that document:
Marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this state.
The AAUW Public Policy Principles and Priorities (approved by vote of the members) includes the language that
To guarantee equality, individual rights, and social justice for a diverse society, AAUW advocates … [f]reedom in definition of family and guarantee of civil rights in all family structures
Therefore, opposition to the amendment is consistent with AAUW principles.
Starting with a document approved by the NC National Organization for Women, the AAUW NC executive committee has approved a resolution that will be considered by a vote at the AAUW NC annual meeting on March 31.
This will be on the agenda for the March 30-31 meeting in two places:
- Friday afternoon meeting of branch presidents
- Saturday afternoon during the annual meeting of AAUW of North Carolina
Any vote on Friday will be advisory. The Saturday vote will be binding. If the resolution passes, members will be able to mention the formal opposition of AAUW NC when discussing the amendment. If the resolution fails, national policy will prevail, and members in favor of the amendment may, of course, express that opinion — but as individuals, not as AAUW members.
Reminder: AAUW NC bylaws now give a vote to each AAUW NC member attending the annual meeting. We no longer use a delegate system.
More info: Overview of the 2012 annual meeting