On Oct. 13, 2014, Brandon Hagarand Channing Richards weremarried by Pastor Ginger Brasher-Cunningham of Pilgrim UnitedChurch of Christ in Durham.After the Supreme Court declinedto review a decision by the lowercourts declaring gay marriage bansunconstitutional, North Carolinabegan issuing marriage licensesto gay and lesbian couples aroundthe state. In Durham, couples,surrounded by their supporters,gathered outside the office of theRegister of Deeds to join hands andbe married.
30 number of states, plus Washington, D.C., where same-sex marriage is legal
15 states where same-sex marriage is still illegal
5 states where legalization of same-sex marriage is pending
Support for marriage equality
55 percent of people surveyed in a Gallup poll who support marriage equality
77 percent of people under 30 (ABC/Washington Post poll)
40 percent of Republicans (ABC/Washington Post)
62 percent of Catholics (New York Times poll)
Opposition to marriage equality
$1.5 million amount spent in 2012 by conservative groups to pass Amendment One in North Carolina
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Photo by Jeremy M. Lange
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Photo by Jeremy M. Lange
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Photo by Jeremy M. Lange