(RALEIGH) -- Proposed legislation to make marriage in North Carolina only between a man and a woman has brought out both sides of the argument. Thousands rallied outside the legislature on Tuesday in favor of it.

Tony Perkins president of the Family Research Council, said there is no question in his mind. "Children should have a mom and a dad, not two caregivers, not three, not four, but a mom and dad who love them and are married in a lifelong relationship," said Perkins.

Rep. Marcus Brandon, an openly gay member of the General Assembly, said all civil unions should be recognized, but the new leadership will not allow it. "The Republican are very excited that they have gained power after over 100 year as well should be, but it doesn't matter how much power you have you do not have the power to be able to determine people's constitutional rights," said Brandon.

Proposed bills in the House and Senate would recognize a marriage between a man and a woman as the only domestic legal union in the
state.  North Carolina is currently the only Southern state that does not have such a constitutional amendment.