Asheville News

Same-sex marriage licenses in Buncombe County’s future?

Jason Sandford October 14, 2013

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

Buncombe County press release:

Buncombe County Register of Deeds Drew Reisinger will be the first government official in the South to seek approval to grant same-sex marriage licenses since the U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down the Defense of Marriage Act.

Reisinger will accept and hold same-sex marriage applications and push the question of equal marriage rights to the state’s chief legal adviser, Attorney General Roy Cooper.

“I will let each couple know that it is my hope to grant them a license, but I need to seek the North Carolina Attorney General’s approval,” Reisinger said. “I have concerns about whether we are violating people’s civil rights based on this summer’s Supreme Court decision.

The Campaign for Southern Equality notified Reisinger that at least six same-sex couples would request marriage licenses Tuesday. Reisinger will allow the couples to complete and sign their applications. He will accept the applications but withhold his own signature.

“I will then let the Attorney General know that I would like to issue these couples licenses, but that I need his clarification on the laws of the state that seem to contradict the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution,” Reisinger said.

Tuesday will be the first time same-sex couples have requested marriage licenses from Reisinger since the June 26 Supreme Court decision striking down the Defense of Marriage Act.

Contact information:

Drew Reisinger, Buncombe County Register of Deeds: 828-250-4315 or [email protected]

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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5 Comments

Jason October 15, 2013

Good work Drew!!! Happy that you are helping to make a difference.

Reply
Harry October 15, 2013

Without his signature, this is nothing more than a dog and pony show. If the couples get some satisfaction out of the show, then good. But, if the Register of Deeds had a pair, he would take ownership, sign the licenses, and let the cookie crumble.

Reply
1. Smytty October 16, 2013
  
  Well, it’s obviously partly a show, but you should also realize that this small act is getting national attention. This is a big deal from a symbolic point of view, and has gotten some press from the Huffington Post and other national media. At the very least, it makes the point effectively that Asheville doesn’t share the “values” of much of the rest of the state on this issue, and that not all of the South is homophobic.
  
  Kudos to Drew, history will take note of this gesture when we look back on it 20 years from now.
  
  Reply
Ashley October 15, 2013

Drew, you are an amazing person!

Reply
Kim Roney October 15, 2013

Finally! Good work, Drew!

Reply