Every so often we’re reminded why equality for LGBT people and recognition of same-sex couples is important outside of the civil arena.

In Raleigh, a lesbian couple with children was almost denied entry to a preview sale at a popular children’s consignment fair (Raleigh News & Observer):

Kids Exchange is having a sale this weekend, where people can consign and buy used baby and children’s clothing and toys. Volunteers who agree to work 11 to 12 hours at the sale get a special perk — exclusive access to an early preview sale on the Wednesday before.

Amanda Lenhart showed up Wednesday for early shopping with her partner, Kathy Perry, who had volunteered this week. But they encountered resistance from a 10-year-old rule that only spouses may accompany volunteers to the early sale.

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Lenhart said she and Perry were stopped by the woman working the door. Lenhart explained that they were domestic partners and that the two children with them were theirs.

Still, the woman objected, Lenhart said. Eventually, they were let in by another woman who knew them, and they were able to shop.

But as the couple checked out, a woman working the cash register said they would not be permitted to shop at the early sale again, Lenhart said.

Organizers say their aim isn’t to discriminate against gay couples:

Organizers have strictly enforced the policy, not allowing volunteers to bring their mothers, sisters or friends to take advantage of the early sale.

“We care so much about our volunteers, we want to protect them,” said Amy Winstead, a co-founder of the sale. She added that the policy is not meant to discriminate against gay couples.

EqualityNC’s Ian Palmquist connected the dots between civil recognition and social respect for readers:

Ian Palmquist, executive director of Equality N.C., an organization working for equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender North Carolinians, said Lenhart and Perry’s experience is not uncommon.

“The fact is, in North Carolina same-sex couples don’t have any recognition from the state,” he said. “They encounter this sort of discrimination on a daily basis.”