Politics & Government

Gay Marriage: Should Virginia Vote Again?

Supreme Court cites human rights and "dignity" in marriage decision. Is it time for Virginia to reconsider?

By Greg Hambrick

The Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that federal benefits should be available to married gays and lesbians, but the court punted a more controversial question about the legality of gay marriage bans, like the one in Virginia.

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The court did not decide on the legality of state bans like Virginia's. In a 5-4 majority, the court decided that a challenge to gay marriage in California failed on technical reasons limited to that case.

What do you think? Is it time for legislators and Virginia voters to revisit the state's marriage ban? Tell us why in the comments.

Find out what's happening in McLeanwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The ACLU's Rebecca Glenberg told Virginia Public Radio that the ACLU's lobbying arm will be reaching out to Virginia lawmakers regarding the state's ban.

In 2006, 57 percent of Virginia voters supported the state constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. Del. Scott Surovell (D-Fairfax) introduced legislation to repeal Virginia's gay marriage ban, but it failed in committee.



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