Bloomberg blasts N.C.’s Amendment One

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg offered a strong defense of same-sex marriage in his commencement address at UNC, days after voters in North Carolina approved a constitutional ban on same-sex relationship recognition. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

CHAPEL HILL — New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg used his University of North Carolina graduation commencement address Saturday to blast the anti-gay amendment passed just days earlier in that state.

“Each and every generation has removed some barrier to full participation in the American dream,” Bloomberg, a vocal marriage equality supporter, told the graduating class, according to the New York Times. “I would argue last week’s referendum banning same-sex marriage shows just how much more work needs to be done to ensure freedom and equality for all people.”

Despite a spirited and well-funded opposition to it, North Carolina overwhelmingly passed the sweeping ballot measure last week, barring constitutionally recognition of any relationship other than that of a man and a woman.