CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Church leaders made their final pushes to sway voters just a day before North Carolina votes on a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage.
"There's a principle to stand on," said Rev. Mark Harris of First Baptist Church in Charlotte. "The principle is that the Bible is very clear that marriage is between a man and a woman."
Harris has led the push in recent months in support of Amendment One, which advocates feel would solidify an existing state law that already defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman.
"Activist judges take statutes and laws and they're changing them every day," Harris said. "(The law) was like putting a pillar in the sand. It was a good pillar but we need to put concrete around it."
While supporters of the constitutional amendment have used religion and biblical references to validate their stance against gay unions, other religious leaders who oppose the bill say the Bible could be used to justify their stance, as well.
"There are so many examples in the Bible of single parents, examples of people who've had multiple spouses," said Catherine Houchins of Metropolitan Community Church in Charlotte. "I just get amused because (supporters of the amendment) don't read the whole Bible."
While the debate over the amendment has drawn divisive lines between some churches, Harris said he's vowed to maintain open and respectful dialogue with other opposing church leaders, regardless of the outcome of Tuesday's vote.
The polls for Tuesday's primary open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m. To find your polling place, click here.
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