Statements on Ruling in Bostic v. Rainey Case Striking Down Virginia Gay Marriage Ban

I’m posting this super late because the Soapblox network of progressive state blogs – of which Blue Virginia is a part – has been down most of the day, but great news for human equality today in Virginia (and in other states as well)! Del. “Sideshow Bob” Marshall (R-Homophobia),  author of the anti-gay-marriage amendment befouling our constitution, must be crying right now; such a shame, huh?  🙂 Also, of course, great work by Attorney General Mark Herring’s office on this issue, yet again proving that elections have huge consequences — can you imagine where we’d be if Mark “Criminalize Miscarriages” Obenshain, who said that Ken Cuccinelli was his model Attorney General, had won that election?!?

With that, here’s Gov. McAuliffe’s statement on the Fourth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals’ ruling in Bostic v. Rainey striking down Virginia’s ban on gay marriage: 

“I am overjoyed by the news that, as a result of today’s ruling, Virginia will become a state where two people who love each other can get married regardless of their sexual orientation. This is a historic ruling for our Commonwealth, and its effect will affirm once again that Virginia is a state that is open and welcoming to all.

“I want to thank Attorney General Mark Herring for his leadership in this case, and all of the men and women who fought for years to make this day a reality. Progress does not always come as quickly as we hope it will, but today is yet another example of how justice, equality and the people who fight for those values will always persevere in the end.”

Next, here’s Sen. Mark Warner’s statement:

“I am so happy that yet another federal court agrees that Virginia’s ban on gay marriage is unconstitutional,” Sen. Warner said. “Allowing people to marry who they love is the right thing to do, and it also strengthens our families and our communities. Virginia should be a welcoming place for all, and I am very pleased at the rapid progress toward marriage equality that we’re seeing in Virginia and around the country.”