PLAZA MIDWOOD, NC (WBTV) - A crowd gathered at Petra's Piano Bar in Charlotte reacted with disappointment as the Amendment One results trickled in Tuesday night.
The bar hosted a party that was heavily attended by Charlotte residents opposed to Amendment One, which defines marriage between a man and a woman as the only legal union recognized in North Carolina.
Despite strong opposition to Amendment One in several counties including Mecklenburg, a majority of voters across the state made it clear they are in favor of the amendment. Unofficial results showed it passing by 20 percentage points.
Jason Scott is planning a fall commitment ceremony with his partner of two years. He had hoped they could one day be legally married in North Carolina. The passing of the amendment will put another barrier between the couple and their dream.
"The defeat is heartbreaking," said Scott. "I thought better of North Carolina. I thought better of the voters. I thought North Carolina was more progressive than the rest of the South."
While Scott and more than 100 others who packed inside Petra's were clearly upset, there was also a sense of determination. Some patrons left the bar chanting, "We won't go down without a fight."
For now, however, the voters have spoken. Amendment One will become part of North Carolina's constitution.
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