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CHARLOTTE, NC — Some Charlotte residents are calling the Supreme Court’s decision to make same sex marriages legal nationwide a victory. Opponents say the justices don’t care what states and voters say about the issue.
“I had tears in my eyes,” said Wendy Laxton. Laxton celebrated with her daughter and partner of 28 years, Lindsey Cooper. The couple was waiting to get married until the union would be recognized nationwide.
“It was a relief,” said Cooper. “It was, finally, we have an answer. Finally, people can relax, and I know some people won’t be relaxed. This will upset some people.”
Friday, hundreds, both gay and straight, joined Equality NC to support the historic decision.
“I understand some oppose it on religious grounds,” said Michael McKinnon. “Ultimately, it comes down to, if you don’t like gay marriage, don’t marry a gay person. There’s nothing about this that diminishes straight marriages in any way.”
His wife Lara McKinnon says it’s about equality. “Everybody deserves the right, responsibilities and privileges of marriage,” she said.
Mecklenburg County Commissioner Pat Cotham is one local leader who showed up to celebrate. “People have worked for years for this,” said Cotham. “We’re all God’s creatures, and love wins out.”
North Carolina was the 30th state to extend marriages to same-sex couples in October.
Now, 14 states left holding on to bans must let go, despite some lawmaker’s efforts to slow momentum.
“We’re not going to take it on the chin,” said Director of Advancement for Equality NC Matt Hircschy. “We do look at the legality of legislation.”
Equality North Carolina says it has a long way to go, specifically pointing to youth homelessness in the LGBT community and the fact that a person can lose their job for being gay or transgender.
