Same-sex marriages in SC also creating new opportunities for ministers

CHARLESTON COUNTY, SC (WCSC) - Along with same-sex couples, ministers across the state will have opportunities under the new law.

Reverend Lorraine Brock has been looking forward to this day since the start of her career.

"Just about 10 years," said Brock.

She's done at least 100 wedding ceremonies for same-sex couples and now her wait is over; now that the state ban is lifted, they're actually going to be recognized.

Brock says her career has new meaning.

"What greater joy can I have today. What greater joy," said Brock.

The reverend waited outside the Charleston County court house to marry same-sex couples. She performed two ceremonies.

"It made me look at those two people and know that not only have I joined them together in the spirit, but under the letter of the law, they will be recognized as human beings, as a married couple," said Brock.

Brock and other members of the Metropolitan Community Church used to call same-sex ceremonies "Holy Unions."

Brock said, "It's going to be marriage, just a marriage ceremony."

The reverend says a lot of the symbolism of this historic moment includes justice.

"It's about people who work hard, who pay taxes, but we don't have the same rights, and that's not fair. So today in South Carolina justice has been hard fought, but we have it," said Brock.