Pending intervention from the Supreme Court, same-sex couples in Virginia could get married as soon as next week – and those married out-of-state could have their union recognized.
Last month, a three-judge panel at the fourth US Circuit Court of Appeals agreed with US Judge Arenda Wright Allen’s ruling that Virginia’s 2006 amendment to the state constitution recognizing marriage as only valid between a man and a woman is in violation of the 14th amendment of the constitution.
Two weeks ago, Michelle McQuigg, Prince William County circuit court clerk and one of the defendants in the case, filed a motion to stay the ruling that struck down the ban on gay marriage. The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports McQuigg sites the recognition of same-sex marriages could “create uncertainty for the public and irreparable injury to the commonwealth.”
But yesterday, the fourth US Circuit Court of Appeals denied the motion, and now the state awaits Supreme Court action. It’s possible the Supreme Court can issue its own stay on the ruling, and a decision is anticipated to come as soon as next week. But for now, marriage equality advocates are rejoicing in Virginia.
You can read NPR's report on the ruling here, and listen to Debbie Elliott's report from Morning Edition here.