BofA's Bessant speaks out against N.C. marriage amendment

In a YouTube video message, Bank of America global technology and operations executive Cathy Bessant speaks out against the controversial marriage amendment that will be on the ballot statewide this May.

The amendment -- called Amendment One -- would change the state constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman. State law already does so, but supporters of the amendment say it is needed as added protection. Opponents say it discriminates against gay people.

In the two-minute video, Bessant says the amendment would have a "disastrous effect" on the state's ability to attract talent, and would signal that the state has a "backwards-looking economy."

"Amendment One is a direct challenge to our ability to compete nationally for jobs and economic growth," she says. "Large corporations hate this kind of controversy. They deal with diverse work populations for whom issues like this aren't just important in terms of where it is that they live, but are important indicators of the diversity and meritocracy in the companies where they want to work."

The video was published as part of a campaign by advocacy group Protect All N.C. Families, which opposes the amendment.

Bessant is a visible figure in Charlotte's business and nonprofit community.