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.
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