So North Carolina voters approved a ballot measure that prohibits same-sex marriages within the state. It became the last southern state to do so... and the 31st overall. It was done during the primary election instead of the general election because the Republican-controlled legislature knew that Democratic turn-out during the primary would be low since there was no real primary taking place within that party. Even so, the vote was close to a 60-40 split. A couple of days later, President Obama announced that he is now firmly in support of same-sex marriage.
“We have allowed things to grow that turn into green. As you know, or may not know, 200 years ago our back hills were covered in redwood trees. Well, lumber companies came in and cut them all down. And they replaced those with pine trees.”
- Supervisor Bill Horn, January 7, 2003, San Diego County Board of Supervisors meeting.
