Two mommies, one family

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — History was made tonight when a federal judge struck down North Carolina’s gay marriage ban.

Cape Fear Equality board members and supporters didn’t waste any time to celebrate and start planning. Dozens rallied at the 1898 Memorial Park in downtown Wilmington just minutes after the decision was made. There was cheering, laughing and even crying just moments after the ruling.

“There were tears,” supporter Amanda Goins said. “Willow was like, ‘Mommy cry. Mommy cry.'”

Goins says she had to explain to her daughter Willow that they were tears of joy.

“Sometimes you cry when you’re happy and we were very happy, right?” Goins said to her daughter.

“Right,” Willow said.

Goins says she and her wife Julie got married in Washington, DC, four years ago, but today marks a new beginning.

“Today it’s actually legal in North Carolina, so it’s like a whole new start,” Goins said.

She says this is a huge moment for their equality.

“It’s just a big deal to know that our marriage is as valid as everybody else’s in the state of North Carolina,” she said.

Goins says this is even bigger for their daughter Willow.

“Because now Julie can adopt Willow, and if anything were to happen to me she would be the parent,” Goins said.

Goins gave birth to Willow, but she says they are both Willow’s parents. Goins says this decision brings them a whole new sense of security.

“It’s a relief knowing that our daughter is protected,” Goins said. “If something happens to me, she will still remain with Julie, her other mom, the only other parent she’s ever known. That’s a relief.”

Goins says they still have a few hoops to jump through to make that happen, but she says it’s the first step in the right directions.

The Goinses also plan on having another wedding ceremony here in North Carolina. A few other couples we spoke with plan to head to the Register of Deeds office next week to get a marriage license.