Bill Clinton opposes N.C. gay marriage ban

DURHAM, N.C., May 7 (UPI) -- Former President Bill Clinton has recorded a robocall voicing his opposition to an upcoming North Carolina ballot initiative opposing same-sex marriage.

"Hello, this is President Bill Clinton. I'm calling to urge you to vote against Amendment One on Tuesday, May 8," the message says in part. It will be sent to the telephones of a half million North Carolina voters, CNN reported Monday.

Amendment One would outlaw same-sex marriages, civil unions and same-gender domestic partnerships, and while North Carolina already bans same-sex marriages, the provision would codify the "one man, one woman" definition of marriage as an amendment to the State's Constitution.

Clinton, in the automated telephone call, says passage of the amendment would damage the state's economy.

"It won't change North Carolina's law on marriage. What will change is North Carolina's ability to keep good businesses, attract new jobs, and attract and keep talented entrepreneurs," he said.

In the call, released by the advocacy group Protect NC Families, Clinton also said the loss of a single job in the state, due to the amendment, was "too big a risk."