N.C. Senator Kay Hagan Speaks Out Against Antigay Amendment 1

North Carolina senator Kay Hagan has come out forcefully against Amendment 1, a draconian ballot measure that would ban marriage equality under the state constitution.

In a Wednesday statement, Hagan said Amendment 1 threatens North Carolina's pro-business environment as well as the state's "resolve to make all people and all families great."

"North Carolina is one of the most business-friendly states in the nation, and this amendment would harm our state's ability to recruit the innovators and businesses that are driving our economic recovery," Hagan said.

The initiative, which voters will decide during the May primary election, would also ban all forms of relationship recognition for same-sex couples.

Last fall, Hagan had said she "remains wary of attempts to alter constitutions in the heat of today's charged political environment" without specifically addressing the attempt by antigay forces to do so in her own state.

Senator Hagan's full statement:

"In today's hyperpartisan political environment, I view any attempt to alter our state constitution with a critical eye. Amendment One has far-reaching negative consequences for our families, our children and our communities. North Carolina is one of the most business-friendly states in the nation, and this amendment would harm our state's ability to recruit the innovators and businesses that are driving our economic recovery. Jobs are my number one priority, and we cannot afford to take our eye off the ball and give businesses a reason to grow and expand elsewhere. The people I hear from every day -- the families that make up the fabric of the Old North State -- tell me they are sick and tired of watching their jobs and their livelihoods fall victim to divisive partisan posturing. In North Carolina, we say our state is 'Where the weak grow strong and the strong grow great.' Amendment One harms our state's resolve to make all people and all families great, and as a proud daughter of North Carolina, I urge all North Carolinians to join me in opposing it."