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House Democrats on Mark Herring’s decision to not defend marriage ban

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The House Democratic Caucus released the following statement on attorney general Mark Herring’s decision to challenge Virginia’s ban on same-sex marriage:

state-capitol2“We are pleased to hear that attorney general Herring has, after careful consideration, determined that Virginia’s ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional,” said Democratic House Leader David Toscano. “We applaud the attorney general for working to ensure the rights of all of our citizens are protected.”

“Windsor was clear that the 14th Amendment requires Virginia to honor all marriages from other states,” said Delegate Scott Surovell. “I’m glad to see attorney general Herring standing up to honor federal precedent and not subjecting Virginia to the ignominy of Massive Resistance to equality yet again.”

Democrats have sponsored several bills to repeal the Marshall-Newman Amendment: HB 939-Surovell, HJ 3-Morrissey, HJ 11-Surovell, HJ-67 Plum, and HJ-77-Herring

Democratic Party of Virginia Chair Charniele Herring released the following statement on the AG Mark Herring’s finding that Virginia’s same-sex marriage ban is unconstitutional.

“Today, attorney general Herring fell on the right side of history. Discrimination of any kind has no place in this country or Commonwealth. I support attorney general Herring in his legal assessment and conclusion that ‘to defend a[n] unconstitutional law…would be a violation of [his oath], misuse of office, and would be inconsistent with precedents’.

“As we’ve seen in just a few short days, Virginia Democrats are focused on working to improve the lives of Virginians which includes working to repeal unconstitutional laws and making access to affordable healthcare possible for our working poor. We will continue our work to make sure Virginia continues to move forward.”

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