PRESS RELEASE/STATEMENT
From the BUNCOMBE COUNTY REGISTER OF DEEDS
Buncombe Register of Deeds Issues Same-Sex Marriage Licenses
Buncombe County’s Register of Deeds will issue marriage licenses today to same-sex couples.
“It is my honor to acknowledge the full equality and humanity of all Buncombe County citizens who seek to marry,” Drew Reisinger said. “Issuing these licenses is in keeping with the federal court’s decision that discriminatory marriage laws are unconstitutional.”
U.S. District Judge Max Cogburn in Asheville issued an order Friday declaring Amendment One unconstitutional–legalizing same-sex marriage in North Carolina.
“With the judge’s ruling, same-sex couples who wed will have all of the legal rights and responsibilities of any married couple, as well as the benefits and protections under the laws of our state,” Reisinger said.
Until new forms are created by the State Department of Health and Human Services, Reisinger and his staff will be using marriage license application forms that only include options for “male” and “female.” The North Carolina School of Government instructed Reisinger that “you will have to alter the license form in a reasonable way with respect to gender.”
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved keeping the Register of Deeds Office open until 7 pm today in order to meet the expected demand for licenses.
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