Same-Sex Marriage Ban Anniversary Marked in NC

Supporters and opponents of the amendment that banned same-sex marriage in North Carolina are holding events to mark the second anniversary of its passage.

The pro-amendment North Carolina Values Coalition scheduled a midday rally Thursday on the old Capitol grounds in Raleigh.

Same-sex couples who want the ban overturned planned to apply for marriage licenses Thursday morning in Wake County with the register of deeds. Couples have made similar applications at other county government offices, only to be turned away.

The pro-amendment rally is also taking aim at recent efforts to overturn the ban. Last month, some clergy members filed a federal lawsuit challenging North Carolina's constitutional ban on gay marriage, saying it violated their religious freedom.

More than 60 percent of voters approved the amendment in 2012.