Breaking: Federal Judge Strikes Down North Carolina Same-Sex Marriage Ban – Weddings Begin
A federal judge moments ago just struck down a same-sex marriage ban in North Carolina.
Meet the first couple to marry in Buncombe County, NC! #northcarolina @CSElive pic.twitter.com/JvJ6rPcGoA
— freedomtomarry (@freedomtomarry) October 10, 2014
“In a brief three-page decision, U.S. District Judge Max Coburn determined that North Carolina’s ban on same-sex marriage, known as Amendment One, is unconstitutional because of the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals decision overturning Virginia’s ban on gay nuptials, Chris Johnson at the Washington Blade reports.
“The issue before this court is neither a political issue nor a moral issue,†Coburn writes. “It is a legal issue and it is clear as a matter of what is now settled law in the Fourth Circuit that North Carolina laws prohibiting same sex marriage, refusing to recognize same sex marriages originating elsewhere, and/or threating to penalize those who would solemnize such marriages, are unconstitutional.â€
Couples in Raleigh receiving marriage licenses right now. Get to Wake County ROD. #DayOneNC
— Equality NC (@equalitync) October 10, 2014
Lisa and Cindy married in NY in 2011 – their marriage is now recognized in NC. #DayoneNC pic.twitter.com/lOxFR5drAq
— CSE (@CSElive) October 10, 2014
Amy and Lauren first in line in Buncombe County! #DayOneNC #MarriageEquality pic.twitter.com/GluleXpJmE
— CSE (@CSElive) October 10, 2014
BREAKING: The freedom to marry has come home. #DayOneNC pic.twitter.com/gD1seIB359
— Equality NC (@equalitync) October 10, 2014
Who’s gonna be magnanimous in victory and buy Orson Scott Card a drink? Anyone? Anyone? #amendmentone #DayOneNC
— Vince Gatton (@VinceGatton1) October 10, 2014
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