SouthernEquality produced this video of gay couples filing for marriage licenses in Buncombe County, and being denied because of state law.
The Campaign for Southern Equality launched its WE DO Campaign Oct. 3, through which same-sex couples have been requesting marriage licenses from the Buncombe County Register of Deeds. The purpose of the campaign is to resist state laws that prohibit same-sex marriage, and to protest the proposed amendment to the North Carolina constitution that would ban marriage, civil unions and domestic partnerships for same-sex couples.
Buncombe Register of Deeds Drew Reisinger upheld state law Oct. 3 by denying a marriage license to a number of same-sex couples, including Rev. Kathryn Cartledge and Elizabeth Eve, her partner of 30 years. They were joined by a group of supporters including state House Rep. Patsy Keever and Asheville City Council member Gordon Smith, both of whom Reisinger supported in their respective elections. Later that day, Reisinger posted the following thoughts on his Facebook page:
The Campaign for Southern Equality launched its WE DO Campaign Oct. 3, through which same-sex couples have been requesting marriage licenses from the Buncombe County Register of Deeds. The purpose of the campaign is to resist state laws that prohibit same-sex marriage, and to protest the proposed amendment to the North Carolina constitution that would ban marriage, civil unions and domestic partnerships for same-sex couples.
Buncombe Register of Deeds Drew Reisinger upheld state law Oct. 3 by denying a marriage license to a number of same-sex couples, including Rev. Kathryn Cartledge and Elizabeth Eve, her partner of 30 years. They were joined by a group of supporters including state House Rep. Patsy Keever and Asheville City Council member Gordon Smith, both of whom Reisinger supported in their respective elections. Later that day, Reisinger posted the following thoughts on his Facebook page:
A few years ago I decided to dive head-first into the world of politics, because I thought I could help make the world a better place. I wanted to do more than stand on a street corner in Boone holding up a protest sign.Read the full article
I worked hard to help elect Barack Obama, Patsy Keever and Gordon Smith so that they could help move our country, our state and our city in the right direction … and they have. Now that I have become a public official, I find myself in a role that requires me to uphold the law of the state of North Carolina. While I am proud of what I have accomplished, there is more work to be done. Because today when I was asked to give a friend of mine, who happens to be gay, a marriage license, I had to deny her and her partner of 30 years the joy of marriage and it broke my heart.
In order to create change and be a part of a world that equally recognizes all people, regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation, we need to work hard to elect leaders who will stand up for equality.
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Wonderful video! Even for a hardened old coot like myself!
I look forward to seeing Drew in a whole different version of this video very soon.
By Ascend (of Asheville)
10/13/2011
Why am I a Gay Canadian,and not wanting to move down south?
Sylvain C.
(Legaly maried since we nationaly had the right to do so five years ago and together with my spouse since 21 wonderfull years)
Did you guys say the land of the free?
By Sylvain
10/17/2011
Southern Equality is making the case for precisely why you need to vote *YES* on the Marriage Amendment.
By Mary
10/13/2011
The righteous have given up their fight against adultery? Except for killing and stealing, the Ten Commandments are pretty much ignored, but some of the lesser offenses (sins?)are highly inflated.
The act of sodomy is listed in the same paragraph as having sex during menstruation. Doing anything on the day of rest or not honoring your parents is a far worse offense.
By uh-oh
10/13/2011
Great video and I am proud of the people who made the state of NC looks even more backwards! One day soon this injustice will be corrected!
By dpewen
10/13/2011
Great Video. My only experience in NC was staying at a bed and breakfast in Asheville (http://www.cedarcrestinn.com). But the whole time I was in Asheville, it felt like a very welcoming and accepting community.
We haven't explored the rest of NC but does it really get so drastically different?
Being in Mass, I just hope you all get the equality every human deserves.
Hearts and thoughts are with you!
By Graham.G.
10/16/2011