On Monday we stood with two couples – Cheryl & Tracey and Shela & Deborah – as they asked Mr. Jeff Thigpen, the Guilford County Register of Deeds, to issue them a marriage license. Each couple spoke movingly to Mr. Thigpen about their love for each other and how they urgently need the legal protections that are granted with a marriage license.
An article by the Associated Press about the Guilford County action very simply captures why marriage matters:
“The legal status of their 12-year relationship gained greater importance after Cheryl Bridges, 55, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004.”
Shela Williams and Deborah Wade applied for a license as well.
“We don’t need a legal document to know that we love each other and to make a commitment to each other. We need a legal document to protect our relationship,” Wade said.
Click here to read their letter to Mr. Thigpen.
Supporters greeted the couples as they exited the Register of Deeds office.
The Campaign for Southern Equality will continue to stand with LGBT people across the South as they express their full equality and dignity and speak their truths in response to unjust laws. Our next WE DO Campaign action will take place in Burke County, NC on September 26th.
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