Reisinger first register of deeds in South to accept same-sex marriage licenses

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.

Face your fear and stand with us

What is this, target practice? In that case, go long next time. To Pastor Keith A. Ogden: your “argument” has been countered so many times, it has become redundant and boring [“What's Next, Polygamy Benefits?” March 27 Xpress]. Biblical marriage consists not only of polygamy, but also rape, slavery, pedophilia, incest, murder and an assortment […]

Hypocrisy, plain and simple

Pastor Ogden, you are a hypocrite [“What's Next, Polygamy Benefits?” March 27 Xpress]. You and many other Christians are so quick to fervently oppose legalizing gay marriage without also expressing with equal zest your disgust with the legality of divorce, adultery, drunkenness, lying, sex out of wedlock, blasphemy and a multitude of other sins which […]

When love truly fills your heart all fear vanishes

In response to Rev. Keith Ogden's March 27 letter regarding the current “dangerous” homosexual legislation, here are some reasons we should oppose Marriage Equality [“What's Next, Polygamy Benefits?” Xpress]. Being gay is not natural. Real Americans reject unnatural things like eyeglasses, polyester, air conditioning and science in general. Gay marriage will encourage people to be […]

Intoleranc­e is poor theology

Why is it that some religious folks are bent on inserting themselves (and their particular beliefs) into the business of government or civil matters, such as equality for all taxpaying citizens and, in this specific case, Buncombe County workers? [“What's Next, Polygamy Benefits?” March 27 Xpress.] While the county commissioners' vote approved benefits for both […]

A sad day in North Carolina

The people of North Carolina cast a vote for hate on May 8. Their vote for Amendment One gives LGBT people second-class-citizen status. It is also a slap in the face to those citizens who are in a domestic relationship. As a native North Carolinian, I've always been proud of my state. I'm not so […]

Take heart — Amendment One won’t stand

Amendment One's passage in North Carolina and its similar enforcement in the vast majority of the United States will be on the books now. Although disappointed, I do not despair because this issue has been decided by the “X,” “Y” and “Millennial” generations. As they assume positions of power, the states will rescind these laws […]

Images from Friday’s WE DO protest

Friday, same-sex couples went into the Buncombe County Register of Deeds office to request marriage licenses — knowing they would be denied — as part of the WE DO campaign. Eight people were arrested in the ensuing sit-in. The protests originated in Asheville last year and have since spread to other cities throughout the Southeast, garnering national and international media attention. Images of WE DO’s return to its home city. Photos by Max Cooper.

Equality NC kicks off “race to the ballot”

Equality NC kicked off its efforts to defeat Amendment One — which would ban legal recognition of same-sex relationships — with staffer Jen Jones running through downtown as part of the statewide Race to the Ballot campaign. The newly opened Asheville office will be the organization’s headquarters for organizing in the Western part of the state.
(Photo by Bill Rhodes)