Senate Bill 1025 proposes a constitutional amendment to repeal Article XIV, Section 6 of the North Carolina Constitution, the provision that states marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union valid or recognized in the state. The bill does not itself change marriage law by statute; instead, it would place the question before voters at the November 2026 general election.
If approved by a majority of voters, the amendment would take effect on January 1, 2027, and the State Board of Elections would certify it to the Secretary of State. The bill also preserves the general ability of private parties to enter into contracts and for courts to adjudicate rights arising from those contracts, but its main purpose is to remove the constitutional language limiting recognition of domestic legal unions to opposite-sex marriage.
Impact
The bill would amend the North Carolina Constitution by deleting a provision that currently recognizes only marriage between one man and one woman as the state’s sole valid domestic legal union. Its practical effect would be to remove this constitutional restriction, leaving the state constitution without that specific marriage definition. Because the measure is a constitutional amendment, it would affect state constitutional law rather than ordinary statutes, and it would only become operative if approved by voters in the 2026 general election.
Sentiment
No committee transcripts or recorded votes are available, so there is no documented legislative debate or voting pattern to gauge support or opposition. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears to be a straightforward referral of a constitutional question to the electorate, with no amendments or procedural controversy reflected in the available record.
Contention
The central point of contention would likely be the repeal of the constitutional language limiting recognition of marriage to one man and one woman, which implicates marriage equality, LGBTQ rights, and the state’s constitutional definition of domestic legal unions. Supporters would likely view the bill as removing outdated or discriminatory language, while opponents could argue that the existing constitutional provision should remain in place. No specific factions, legislators, or stakeholder groups are identified in the available materials.
Civil rights: sexual orientation discrimination; certain references to marriage; make gender neutral. Amends sec. 1, art. X & repeals sec. 25, art. I of the state constitution.
Civil rights: sexual orientation discrimination; certain references to marriage; make gender neutral. Amends sec. 1, art. X & repeals sec. 25, art. I of the state constitution
Proposing a constitutional amendment to repeal the constitutional provision providing that marriage in this state consists only of the union of one man and one woman and prohibiting this state or a political subdivision of this state from creating or recognizing any legal status identical or similar to marriage, and to change certain terminology used to refer to the parties to a marriage.
An Act to provide for the submission to the voters of a proposed amendment to Section 15-A of Article I of the Constitution of Virginia, relating to marriage between two adult persons; repeal of same-sex marriage prohibition.