Statement from the Office of Virginia Attorney General, Mark Herring
Posted by Michael Kelly, Director of Communications
RICHMOND (October 6, 2014)--Today (Monday), the Supreme Court rejected all petitions for certiorari related to Virginia's marriage equality litigation, thereby letting stand the Fourth Circuit's decision that same-sex couples in the Commonwealth are entitled to all the rights and privileges of marriage.
The Fourth Circuit is expected to issue its mandate at 1 p.m., meaning marriage licenses for same-sex couples can be issued at that time and the Commonwealth will recognize all marriages that were lawfully performed in other states. Local clerks are receiving guidance and forms necessary to begin performing marriages today, and the Attorney General's Office is working with the Governor's Office and state agencies to implement any needed changes in light of this action.
In response to today's historic ruling, Attorney General Mark Herring, the first state attorney general to argue successfully at the district and appeals level for a marriage ban to be struck down, issued the following statement:
"A new day has dawned, and the rights guaranteed by our Constitution are shining through.....All Virginians have the constitutional right to be treated fairly and equally, to have loving, committed relationships recognized and respected, and to enjoy the blessings of married life. We should all be proud that our fellow Virginians helped lead us forward."
Herring, celebrated the announcement from the Supreme Court.
"This is a tremendous moment in Virginia history. We will continue to fight discrimination wherever we find it, but today, we celebrate a moment when we move closer to fulfilling the promise of equality ignited centuries ago in Virginia, and so central to the American experience."
Attorney General Herring is expected to hold media availabilities to discuss today's news in Northern Virginia and Richmond. Details will be forthcoming.
Herring has supported same-sex marriage rights since his election, opposing the Virginia Constitutional Amendment that outlawed same-sex marriage. That law was voted on by the people of Virginia in a 2006 referendum. It was proposed and championed by Prince William, Delegate Bob Marshall (R-13). Prince William Clerk of the Court Michelle McQuigg helped to defend the state's ban on same-sex marriage as well.
Despite some opposition to same-sex marriage in Prince William County, Prince William does have advocates for its LBGT residents, such as Equality Prince William.
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