HILLSBOROUGH - The Orange County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution Jan. 24 opposing a North Carolina constitutional amendment to appear on the May 8 ballot.

The ballot will offer voters the option to vote "for" or "against" a "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."

Here is part of the resolution

WHEREAS, Orange County adopted social justice goals of which one goal is to foster a community culture that rejects oppression and inequity, thus the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color, religion or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or ethnic background; age, military services; disability; and familial, residential, or economic status; and

WHEREAS, Orange County along with its local municipalities has adopted the Orange County Civil Rights Ordinance with the purpose and policy to promote the equal treatment of all individuals; and

WHEREAS, Amendment #1, if approved by the voters, would be inconsistent with Orange County's commitment to equal rights and opportunities for its residents and employees and would impact the County's and its local municipalities' domestic partner registry and benefits;

NOW, THEREFORE IT RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of County Commissioners re-affirms its commitment to social justice, equal rights and equal opportunity for all residents of Orange County.