The U.S. Supreme Court responded today, Aug. 20, to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision last month to strike down a same-sex marriage ban by issuing a stay that bars the practice pending further action by the court. The move is a disappointment to equality advocates who hoped that today’s deadline would pass without […]
The 4th Circuit Court of Appeals’ July 28 ruling to strike down Virginia’s ban on same-sex marriage could have implications for North Carolina’s Amendment One, according to the Campaign for Southern Equality.
This morning a federal challenge to Amendment One was filed in the Western District of North Carolina on behalf of the United Church of Christ (UCC) as a national denomination, clergy from across faith traditions and same-sex couples, according to a press release. The case challenges the constitutionality of marriage laws in North Carolina – including Amendment One – that ban marriage between same-sex couples and make it illegal for clergy to perform wedding ceremonies for same-sex couples within their congregations.
On Oct. 15, Buncombe County Register of Deeds Drew Reisinger became the first in the South to accept same-sex marriage licenses, setting off a torrent of media attention and online commentary.
Today Buncombe County Register of Deeds Drew Reisinger became the first in the South to accept same-sex marriage licenses, as 10 couples requested them as part of an effort organized by the Campaign for Southern Equality. However, Reisinger stopped short of issuing the documents, saying that while he believes the state ban on same-sex marriage is in conflict with the U.S. Constitution, he will first formally request that North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper allow the marriages to proceed.
As hopes of a progressive North Carolina crumble into ruin, there is renewed interest in an LGBT community center in the city that, two years ago, a state senator dubbed “the cesspool of sin” because of its domestic-partner registry.
After the highest court in the land ruled the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional, the country erupted in either support or protest. Asheville was no exception. Here’s a roundup of local reactions to the Supreme Court decision. (Photo by Caitlin Byrd)
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) employees of Buncombe County gained another safeguard against discrimination after commissioners gave final approval April 16 to add “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to its list of protected classes.
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners will vote again on a contentious plan to add language to the county’s personnel ordinance specifically safeguarding workers from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
After hearing more than 40 minutes of public comment on the matter, commissioners voted 4-3 to add language that protects Buncombe County workers from harassment based on sexual orientation to the personnel ordinance. Above, Executive Director of the Campaign for Southern Equality Jasmine Beach-Ferrara smiles after speaking in favor of the expansion of the county’s nondiscrimination statement. (Photo by Caitlin Byrd)
Here’s a look at some of what supporters and detractors had to say during a recent public hearing on providing domestic partner benefits to Buncombe County employees.
On March 17, a man — reportedly shouting homophobic and racist slurs — stabbed a Club Metropolis employee. The crime has sparked a community reaction, including plans for a benefit. The APD is not qualifying the incident as a hate crime, and the suspect was released March 21.
Buncombe County commissioners voted March 19 along party lines to extend employee benefits to both same- and opposite-sex domestic partners.
At their March 19 meeting, Buncombe Commissioners will consider extending county employee benefits to both same- and opposite-sex domestic partners. This post features live updates from the meeting via Twitter.
A key committee is recommending that Buncombe County extend employee benefits to both same- and opposite-sex domestic partners.
Three people arrested as part of the Campaign for Southern Equality’s WE DO protest in May were found not guilty on trespassing charges yesterday. (photo by Max Cooper)
A recent Mountain Xpress cartoon stated that I voted against protection of LGBT rights [Molton, Sept. 5]. On Aug. 7, I voted for an amendment to Buncombe County's personnel policy supporting the rights of LGBT employees. After the majority of the Board of Commissioners voted against this amendment, the unamended policy that passed required a […]
I would like to thank commissioner candidate Joe Belcher for reminding us that Christians are a discriminated class of people in this country [“Who's Protected?” Aug. 29, Xpress]. I sympathize with the LGBT community but they need to remember that life could be worse; imagine if you were a white, rich, middle-aged, Republican, Christian man […]
I read a puzzling comment from Tim Peck on the Aug. 21 online article, "Commissioners Approve Personnel Ordinance, Reject LGBT Protections (see the article and comment at http://avl.mx/ji). I think it’s important that people understand Chairman David Gantt’s position at Tuesday’s Buncombe County Board of Commissioners meeting. My understanding is that the motion put before […]
Commissioners gave final approval Aug. 21 to a personnel ordinance that doesn’t specifically include protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
During its last meeting, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to go in to a closed session to discuss several matters, including an amendment to change the county’s personnel ordinance to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Several prominent observers have since raised questions over the legality of discussing the amendment in a closed session before the vote.
