The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision not to review the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals’ ruling against Virginia’s same-sex marriage ban is already having an impact.
The 4th Circuit issued its mandate early Monday afternoon, and same-sex couples began lining up at local courthouses to get married.
One of the couples who successfully sued to overturn the state Constitution’s marriage provision renewed the vows that they had first taken in another state.
“It’s just amazing that now we are married in Virginia. And when I woke up this morning we weren’t, and now we are.”
That’s Mary Townley. Her 2008 marriage to Carol Schall in California was not recognized in Virginia—until now. Although their marriage IS official, the couple renewed their vows outside of the John Marshall courthouse in a ceremony officiated by Attorney General Mark Herring, who advocated for their case in federal court. He said the benefits go beyond a marriage license.
“Couples who are married can now adopt children and raise them with the security of two parents. Same-sex couples can now join each other’s employer benefits, make medical decisions for one another, and visit each other in times of sickness. They can file joint tax returns or transfer inheritance. Simply put, this ruling allows all Virginians to be full members of our society with all the rights and responsibilities that come with marriage.”
He added that he will continue to review state laws to determine if any provisions should be revised to comply with the court mandate.
