Protesters assembled in opposition and support of HB2, McCrory

ASHEVILLE – An open house at the Governor's Western Residence provided protesters and supporters of Gov. Pat McCrory's positions with an opportunity to let their voices be heard.

Local environmentalists staged what they call a “toxic marriage ceremony” between McCrory and Duke Energy CEO Lynn Good along the side of College Street near Town Mountain Road.

“Duke has way too much influence on the state,” said Steve Norris, a member of N.C. Power Forward. “We want to bring this to the governor’s attention informing him that (this relationship) is damaging to the state and raise this issue with the public.”

Deborah Scott, dressed as Good, the bride, and Alan Burns, dressed as McCrory, the groom, met only moments before the ceremony, but joined in the event to expose what they described as the corrupt relationship between the state and Duke Energy.

“We need to draw a line and the best way to do that is with creativity, joy, fun and keeping your eye on the big issues,” Scott said. “(We can’t) let them get away with nothing.”

This was the second such “ceremony” staged in North Carolina, with the first taking place May 5 at Duke’s annual shareholder meeting in Charlotte, Norris said.

Along with environmentalists lining the road, nine local groups protested against HB2 at the same time and attended the wedding ceremony.

Several held signs that read “love is unstoppable,” “love does not discriminate” and “repeal HB2.” The protest was part of a national campaign, Love Is Unstoppable, which took place over the weekend to stand up for racial justice, according to an announcement.

Many protesters were locals, but some came as far as Maryland, like 25-year-old Curly Moonflower.

“I’m here for the cause,” she said. “I’m here about the love.”

Others were there to support what they described as basic human rights.

“It’s not just about civil rights, but human rights,” said Sue McQueen. “I’m here to support common sense. I’m against anything that puts North Carolina back 150 years. We need to look forward.”

Dozens gathered off Town Mountain Road beginning around 9:30 a.m., but by late morning several had left to attend the governor’s open house to take their concerns directly to him.

Another Love is Unstoppable demonstration was scheduled for noon Sunday. A march from BeLoved, at 39 Grove St., to the Federal Building on Patton Avenue is planned, to "challenge hate speech and racism" during the election cycle, according to a press release from BeLoved Asheville.