GREENVILLE, S.C. – Three couples who went to the Greenville County courthouse knowing they would not be able to get a marriage license have been rejected as expected.
The same-sex couples were turned down Tuesday afternoon. They are part of the Campaign for Southern Equality, which backed about 20 same-sex couples in Asheville, N.C., who also sought marriage licenses knowing they would be denied.
Courthouse officials say they were told to politely turn down the licenses because South Carolina passed a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage in 2006.
The couples held a prayer vigil outside the courthouse after they were rejected.
Two more same-sex couples planned to go to the Greenville County courthouse Wednesday and a gay couple will request a marriage license Thursday at the Charleston County courthouse.
