Gay Couples Set To Test North Carolina’s Constitutional Ban On Same-Sex Marriage

Amanda Adams, right, puts the wedding ring on Libby Enloe’s hand, during their wedding ceremony in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, Wednesday, July 24, 2013. Adams and Enloe both from Winston-Salem... Amanda Adams, right, puts the wedding ring on Libby Enloe’s hand, during their wedding ceremony in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, Wednesday, July 24, 2013. Adams and Enloe both from Winston-Salem, N.C., came to Washington to get married since it is not legal to have a same sex marriage in their home state North Carolina. MORE LESS
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ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) — When Buncombe County Register of Deeds Drew Reisinger opens the door Tuesday in North Carolina, he expects to see same-sex couples waiting outside his office to apply for marriage licenses.

Unlike in the past, Reisinger plans to accept the applications and then seek an opinion from North Carolina’s top lawyer.

A 2012 amendment to North Carolina’s Constitution forbids same-sex couples from marrying. But Reisinger says he will hold the licenses and then ask state Attorney General Roy Cooper for legal advice.

The initial word from the attorney general’s office was that he cannot legally grant the licenses.

The Campaign for Southern Equality has been leading the fight for same sex marriage.

Group spokesman Aaron Sarver says at least six same-sex couples will request marriage licenses Tuesday from Reisinger’s office.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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