(ASHEVILLE) -- As the debate about gay marriage intensifies in North Carolina, same-sex couples in Buncombe County are calling for full equality by highlighting the state ban on same-sex marriage. The Campaign for Southern Equality has launched a two week-long protest in Asheville.

Monday, three couples applied for marriage licenses at the Buncombe County Register of Deeds Office, and were turned down. Protest organizers said they knew they would be turned down and that is part of the protest. The group opposes the state's law banning gay marriage and a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would also ban gay marriage and prohibit the state from recognizing civil unions.

Register of Deeds Drew Resinger said it is difficult to turn people down based on sexual orientation, but it is the law he's sworn to uphold.  He said he hates to have to turn people down because of their sexual orientation.

(Thanks to: WWNC)