Gaston County Commissioners will move forward with plans to vote on a resolution in support of a controversial state act.  On Thursday afternoon, dozens wore black tape on their mouths and protested for and against the Defense of Marriage Act.   

It would create a constitutional amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman.

Nearly 200-people packed the commission meeting Thursday night.  Some of them were upset that Gaston County’s Council would consider taking a position on amendment one, but some commissioners fired back saying they have a right to do so.

“What you’re proposing is to silence my voice,” said George Oliver.

Opponents take issue with commissioners who proposed passing a resolution showing support for amendment one.  North Carolina will vote on the amendment on May 8^th.

For every opponent who spoke, there seemed to be a person in support of the measure.  Many pointed ot the bible as the basis for their beliefs.

“It’s not a democratic thing, it’s not a republican thing, it’s a God thing,” said Carl Stalka.

After an hour of public comments, several county commissioners expressed their right to vote in favor or in opposition to the amendment.  Some pointed to other politicians even the president who have already taken a public stand.

“If the president can speak on it, the governor can speak on it, I can too,” said Commissioner Chad Brown.

Commissioners will consider the public comments over the next two weeks and plan to vote on the measure

on April 26^th.  If they pass the resolution Gaston County will be the 13^th in North Carolina to do so.