DURHAM (AP) -- Three lesbian couples seeking marriage licenses were turned away in Durham County, one day after North Carolina voters overwhelmingly passed a constitutional amendment defining marriage as solely between a man and a woman.

The women were accompanied by friends, family and clergy members as they attempted to garner support for federal acknowledgement of gay marriage. Just before the crowd of nearly 50 marched from a church to the register of deeds office, they celebrated the news that President Barack Obama had publicly announced he supported gay marriage.

Similar events are planned for six other North Carolina cities. In two cities, protesters plan to get arrested after attempting to obtain a license.