From our LGBT community: Yesterday morning in Marion, North Carolina 20 of us gathered outside the county courthouse to stand with Keisha and Dericka as they prepared to request a marriage license. Under a grey sky, I led our small group in a prayer, asking God to let love guide us through this action. Twenty paces away, about 150 people were gathered under a large banner reading Traditional Marriage. Another preacher addressed them, staunchly defending Amendment One as biblical law. Across the courthouse lawn, people recognized each other, seeing within the other group familiar faces from school, work, the grocery store. As we processed to the Register of Deeds Office, the other preachers voice echoed behind us. In my heart, I felt two things - first, deeply moved by the unwavering courage of Keisha, Dericka and their friends, and second, the chill of knowing that the struggle for equality in the South is far from over. Here in Western North Carolina - and all across the South - the urgency is real. And today, it was on full display at the McDowell County Courthouse. At the counter, Keisha and Derrica were told that they did not even have the right to submit a marriage license application. They persisted and, with the support of our Legal Team, were able to submit a completed application. Then, the denial occurred, a surprise to no one and yet still powerful because it is in this moment that Amendment One is actually enforced. Before leaving the counter, Keisha and Dericka shared why they were taking this action - because they want their family to be recognized in McDowell County, where both were born and raised. “I hope that what we did today can help my future children have a better life,” said Dericka. “I hope that no child has to encounter some of the struggles I have.” southernequality.us2.list-manage/track/click?u=3c17a945d87adc5825c66888e&id=665633b55b&e=62010af530
Posted on: Wed, 23 Jul 2014 14:19:16 +0000
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