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The ban on same-sex marriage has been lifted in Virginia.  On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on a decision to prevent any further appeals on the matter of gay marriage. Now, marriage licenses for gay couples are being issued in Virginia today. The ruling also sets in motion gay marriages in five states where appeals were being heard, including Virginia.

Virginia Governor Terry R. McAuliffe says the ruling on gay marriage in Virginia is “historic” and “long overdue.” In a statement from McAuliffe, he said “Virginia is well-prepared to implement” yesterday’s decision. He added the state will act quickly to bring all of the state’s policies and practices into compliance.

From the desk of Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe on the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on same-sex marriage:

Governor Terry McAuliffe released the following statement Monday on the U.S. Supreme Court’s denial of a writ of certiorari in the case that overturned Virginia’s ban on gay marriages:

“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.

From the desk of the Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring:

“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.”

Earlier this morning, the U.S. Supreme Court announced marriage is legal for same-sex couples in Virginia. And the Fourth Circuit Court issued a mandate so that same-sex couples across the Commonwealth can be issued marriage licenses, starting right away! This is amazing news.

Just days into office, I conducted a rigorous and thorough review and concluded that Virginia’s marriage ban is unconstitutional. Together, we have put Virginia on the right side of history in one of the defining civil rights issues of our time.

But the real heroes are the same-sex couples in Virginia and across this nation who are fighting for equal rights for themselves and their families.

Congratulations to all the couples in Virginia and across the nation who will be able to marry starting today!

– Mark Herring

 

From the desk of Virginia Senator A. Donald McEachin (D-Henrico):

HENRICO – Senator A. Donald McEachin (D – Henrico) today released this statement in response to the Supreme Court’s decision today to decline review of Bostic, fully opening the door to marriage equality in Virginia:
“I am very pleased and excited that gay Virginians will now be able to marry. This is a significant step forward in achieving justice and fairness for all. I eagerly await the day when it won’t matter what state a person lives in — when every American can marry the person he or she loves. We need to remove every vestige of prejudice and discrimination so that all Americans — no matter their skin color, their religion, or their sexual or gender orientation — can experience equality, fairness and justice in their communities,” Senator McEachin said.

 

Gay Marriage Is Legal in Virginia, Licenses Are Being Issued Today  was originally published on kissrichmond.com