Same-Sex Marriage in Virginia: Statements from Officials, Politicians

The U.S. Supreme Court refused Monday to consider an appeal of a 4th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling. The decision ends Virginia’s same-sex marriage ban. Read more.

Gov. Terry McAuliffe:

“This is a historic and long overdue moment for our Commonwealth and our country. On issues ranging from recognizing same-sex marriages to extending health care benefits to same-sex spouses of state employees, Virginia is already well-prepared to implement this historic decision. Going forward we will act quickly to continue to bring all of our policies and practices into compliance so that we can give marriages between same-sex partners the full faith and credit they deserve.”

“I applaud all of the Virginians who gave so much time and effort in the fight for equality, and congratulate my friend Attorney General Mark Herring on this important victory for justice and equal treatment under the law.

“Equality for all men and women regardless of their race, color, creed or sexual orientation is intrinsic to the values that make us Virginians, and now it is officially inscribed in our laws as well.”

Attorney General Mark Herring:

“A new day has dawned, and the rights guaranteed by our Constitution are shining through.

“All Virginians have the constitutional right to be treated fairly and equally, to have loving, committed relationships recognized and respected, and to enjoy the blessings of married life. We should all be proud that our fellow Virginians helped lead us forward.

“This is a tremendous moment in Virginia history. We will continue to fight discrimination wherever we find it, but today, we celebrate a moment when we move closer to fulfilling the promise of equality ignited centuries ago in Virginia, and so central to the American experience.”

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.):

“In letting the Fourth Circuit’s decision stand, the Supreme Court has given loving couples across the Commonwealth the freedom to marry. I join countless Virginians in celebrating the end of the discriminatory constitutional ban that has denied same-sex couples this fundamental right. Today, we have taken a major step toward Jefferson’s ideal that ‘all men are created equal.’”

Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.):

“Allowing people to marry who they love is the fundamentally right thing to do, and it strengthens our families and communities. This is a remarkable and memorable day in Virginia’s march toward equality.”

Congressman Jim Moran (D-8th District):

“This is a momentous day for Virginia and for all who believe in equality under the law. This decision affirms the right of all people to pursue happiness, the most basic example of which is the ability to marry and share your life with the person you love.

“Still, it is disappointing that the Court has delayed a final decision on a federal right to marriage equality. Legalized discrimination anywhere is wrong. The Court was right to affirmatively strike down DOMA a year ago, and now it is time to end the uncertainty so many couples are forced to live with and guarantee marriage equality throughout the country.”

Robert Sarvis, Libertarian U.S. Senate candidate:

“Marriage freedom is a deeply important issue to me, which is why I made it a centerpiece of my campaign for governor last year.

“In 1967, a Virginia couple, Richard and Mildred Loving, fought to overturn marriages between people of different races. If it weren’t for the courage of the Lovings, I might not have been able to marry the woman I love.

“Public opinion in Virginia has shifted dramatically since the Marshall-Newman Amendment was enacted in 2006. In fact, polls now show that a majority of Virginians support marriage freedom.

“I wanted Virginia to achieve marriage freedom through the democratic process, but as with interracial marriage, it is court action that has seen it through. I look forward to seeing same-sex couples in Virginia celebrating their marriages and enjoying equal treatment under the law.”

John Foust, Congressional candidate, 10th District:

“Today’s news is a significant step forward towards ending discrimination in Virginia and across the country. The Supreme Court has once again shown that it is willing to stand up for the constitutional rights of all Americans to be protected from unjust and unequal treatment. I commend Attorney General Herring for his leadership in protecting the rights of same-sex couples in Virginia. The fight to end discrimination in Virginia is not over, and we must continue the hard work to ensure that all Virginians have a fair chance.”

Va. Delegate Marcus Simon, Falls Church:

“I applaud the US Supreme Court’s decision to let stand the 4th Circuit’s ruling that the Commonwealth’s ban on same sex marriage is unconstitutional. It is unfortunate that it took the courts to bring Virginia’s marriage laws into the twenty first century. Finally, same-sex couples in Virginia will be able to legalize their unions, starting as soon as this afternoon.

As a passionate supporter of marriage equality, I am pleased to see that we are moving forward on this. Now that the courts have spoken, and all appeals have been exhausted, it is the job of the state legislature to modernize Virginia’s code to minimize conflicts with the ruling.

That means the General Assembly has work to do in the 2015 Session, starting with legislation to repeal Virginia’s same sex marriage ban. Today, I introduced legislation to formally repeal the ban (HB 1288). In addition, I plan to resubmit HB 419, which will provide for equality in property ownership. Both of these bills ensure that Virginia continues to uphold our State Constitution as well as the laws governing our great nation, while also strengthening marriage equality. “

Patch file photo