Politicians weigh in on same-sex marriage in Virginia

Sen. Timothy M. Kaine, D-Va.:

“In letting the Fourth Circuit's decision stand, the Supreme Court has given loving couples across the commonwealth the freedom to marry. I join countless Virginians in celebrating the end of the discriminatory constitutional ban that has denied same-sex couples this fundamental right. Today, we have taken a major step toward Jefferson’s ideal that ‘all men are created equal.’"

Sen. Mark R. Warner, D-Va.

“Allowing people to marry who they love is the fundamentally right thing to do, and it strengthens our families and communities. This is a remarkable and memorable day in Virginia’s march toward equality."

Attorney Genera Mark Herring:

"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.

"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."

Speaker of the House William J. Howell, R-Stafford:

“I am disappointed that the United States Supreme Court declined to hear these cases. The debate over Virginia's constitutional amendment defining marriage needs a clear and decisive resolution from the Supreme Court. The Court’s decision today leaves Virginians without an affirmative answer on this issue, unnecessarily prolonging the political debate and creating long-term uncertainty regarding the status of same-sex marriages in Virginia depending on the outcome of litigation in other parts of the country.

“Unfortunately, Virginians have not been represented throughout this legal process. Attorney General Mark Herring refused to defend a duly-adopted provision of Virginia’s Constitution, unilaterally placing his personal, political views ahead of the people and their elected representatives. I am a strong supporter of traditional marriage. There are many Virginians who agree with me and some who do not. Regardless of how one feels about marriage, we should all agree that Virginians deserve to have their voices heard and votes vigorously defended in Court. That did not happen in this case."

Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam

“This is a great day for all Virginians. I want to thank everyone who has worked so hard, over so many years, so that the Commonwealth might arrive at this historic moment. Now all Virginians can enjoy the rights and freedoms to marry whom they love. Finally, Virginia is for all lovers.”

Rep. Robert C. Scott, D-3rd:

“Today’s decision by the Supreme Court will finally allow marriage equality to move forward in Virginia and many other states. With the circuit courts so far ruling unanimously on the issue of marriage equality, there was no conflict for the Supreme Court to resolve. Additionally, having allowed so many challenges to stand, today’s decision makes it a virtual certainty that whenever the court does choose to weigh in on this issue, it will rule in favor of marriage equality."

State Sen. A. Donald McEachin, D-Henrico:

“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."