This video is no longer available.
CHARLOTTE, NC – Same-sex marriage is one of the topics North Carolina Senator Kay Hagan and challenger Thom Tills sparred over in their second live debate Tuesday night.
With less than a month to go until the midterm elections, WCCB is looking at how the issue could affect the senate race.
“Hagan and Tillis have very distinct and different opinions on opposite sides, and they make that very clear,” said WCCB Political Contributor Mary C. Curtis.
In one of the closest senate races in the country, the stance on same-sex marriage couldn’t be more far apart.
“I do not think anyone, including the government, should tell somebody who they love or who they can marry,” said Hagan.
Hagan made it clear during Tuesday night’s debate that she opposes Amendment One. Voters approved the same-sex marriage ban in May of 2012.
“It’s my responsibility after 60 percent of the people voted that into law, to defend the laws of the state,” said Tillis.
Polls show, the scales are tipping.
The latest poll by the conservative group American Insights found 48 percent of North Carolina voters oppose same-sex marriage and 44 percent support it. The democratic-leaning Public Policy Polling wasn’t too far off of that with 53 percent of voters opposed and 40 percent in favor.
“You could see that senators really don’t rule on same-sex marriage, but it’s a very emotional issue,” said Curtis.
Because of that, Curtis says the debate could motivate voters to get out to the polls.
“Even if it can sway a few percentage points of folks, it could make a difference,” said Curtis.
Hagan and Tillis also locked horns on the battle against ISIS, funding for education and health care. They debate again Thursday night in Wilmington.
