A couple new stories out of the Old Dominion today. First off, a gay couple is suing the state for marriage equality. Towleroad.com reports:
After being denied a marriage license earlier this month, a gay couple from Virginia has now filed a federal lawsuit that challenges that state’s ban on same-sex marriage. The suit is a first of its kind and follows an announcement from the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia who are currently preparing a similar lawsuit… The Virginian-Pilot reports: “They thought about getting married in another state, but decided against it,” said Robert Ruloff, an attorney for London, a Norfolk real estate agent, and Bostic, an Old Dominion University assistant professor of English. “They are Virginians and they want to be married in Virginia.”
Meanwhile, gubernatorial candidate Ken Cuccinelli has reiterated his opposition to all things gay. The Washington Blade reports:
Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli on Saturday said his belief that same-sex acts are “against nature and are harmful to society” have not changed. “My personal beliefs about the personal challenge of homosexuality haven’t changed,” the Republican gubernatorial candidate said in response to a question from the PBS NewsHour’s Judy Woodruff during a debate she moderated between him and former Democratic National Committee Chair Terry McAuliffe that took place at the Homestead in Hot Springs, Va.
By contrast, his opponent, Democrat Terry McAuliffe, fully supports marriage equality:
McAuliffe, who publicly backed marriage rights for gays and lesbians in February, said during the debate that the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ prompted him and his wife Dorothy to evolve on the issue. He also said he would sign a same-sex marriage bill into law if one were to reach his desk, although he conceded it would likely not happen. “We all know the practical realities,” McAuliffe said, noting there are only 32 Democrats in the Republican-controlled House of Delegates. “[A same-sex marriage ban is] now in our constitution.”
Recent polling suggests that between 50% and 55% of Virginians now support marriage equality.
Find more articles and gay wedding resources in Virginia.