Charlotte seeks AG ruling on amendment

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - Charlotte city leaders are asking the state attorney general to decide whether it's OK to offer same-sex partner benefits in light of the constitutional amendment that defines marriage solely as a union between a man and a woman.

The Charlotte Observer reported that the City Council voted Wednesday to seek the opinion from the office of Attorney General Roy Cooper.

City Manager Curt Walton had recommended that the city offer the benefits. He did so the day after voters overwhelmingly approved the constitutional amendment.

City Attorney Bob Hagemann says he doesn't know whether North Carolina municipalities will be able to offer benefits for same-sex partners in light of the amendment. Nine local governments already offer the benefits.