“What a day in this nation’s history,” says Lindsey Simerly, campaign manager for the Campaign for Southern Equality. On Friday, June 26, many people were overcome with joy as the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Constitution guarantees the right for same-sex marriage in all 50 states.
The Campaign for Southern Equality held a gathering at Vance Monument to celebrate the 5-4 vote that says states cannot keep same-sex couples from marrying and must recognize their unions. The theme of the celebration was love as couples, friends and allies stood side by side to celebrate a large step forward for the LGBT community and its supporters.
“What this decision means to me is the recognition that freedom, equality, justice are profound American values that define who we are,” Senator Terry Van Duyn, D-Buncombe, told the crowd. “Perhaps the most profound freedom we have is to love who we love”.
Following the gathering at Vance Memorial, celebrants attended a victory party at Asheville Brewing Company from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. A final celebration will be held at O’Henry’s, beginning at 8:30 p.m. For more information on today’s ruling, click here.
Can’t see this slideshow on your mobile device? Click here.
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.