TO THE EDITOR:
I commend the DTH for highlighting the N.C. Legislature’s irresponsible focus on social issues, namely gay marriage, instead of fully dedicating itself to addressing the worst fiscal situation in decades (“Don’t ban gay marriage,” Mar. 2). The people of North Carolina elected the first Republican legislature in more than 100 years to address our most pressing problems — jobs and the economy — not to legislate against gay marriage.
Besides, gay marriage isn’t even legal in N.C., nor is it recognized when performed in other states. Banning something that already doesn’t exist is a laughable waste of time.
Our state’s definition of marriage is clear. In fact, it permeates many policies at one of our state’s most liberal institutions — UNC.
For example, in 2010 my partner and I — who are as married as we can get anywhere we’ve ever lived — didn’t qualify for a certain UNC benefit. I’m a full-time UNC state employee. My partner is a full-time UNC Ph.D. student. But unfortunately this benefit only applies to non-gay married couples, per the state’s definition. So it goes.
Do we really want this bill to pass, only then to see it undone 10 years from now in a drawn out situation like Don’t Ask Don’t Tell? Is this fiscally responsible? No. Excluding 10 percent of the taxpaying population from rights afforded to the other 90 percent will never retain — let alone attract — talent and innovation to North Carolina.
Crista Farrell
Staff
Comprehensive Cancer Center
