Virginia Democrats comment on Supreme Court ruling on gay marriage

The Supreme Court today denied a writ of certiorati in the case that overturned Virginia’s ban on gay marriages, making marriage equality finally legal for all Virginians.

The Democratic Party of Virginia issued the following statement from Margaret Sacra, Chair of the lgbt Democrats of Virginia caucus:

“Today marks a historic milestone as the Supreme Court paves the way for marriage equality for all Virginians. I’m proud that what started with the 4th Circuit Court decision, featuring eight Virginians who stood up for equal rights, will now become the law of the land in the Commonwealth. We can finally say that Virginia is open and welcoming to all, no matter who you love, and we applaud this major step forward in the fight for an equal society for all Americans.”

Statement from State Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria), Virginia’s first openly gay senator, and one of only two openly gay members of the General Assembly:

“Virginia is waking up from history. At long last, gay and lesbian couples will be able to marry. This victory was a long time in coming, and it might have been longer still if countless Virginians had not chosen to fight for equality and justice. I am proud of the work that they have done — and continue to do every day. We have made immense progress, but we have to keep going. In many parts of the country, marriage equality is still out of reach. Here in our Commonwealth, we still need to enact workplace and other non-discrimination protections. I look forward to continuing to fight for those laws.”

Statement from State Sen. Jennifer Wexton (D-Loudoun), “Thanks to the Supreme Court’s decision, we will finally have marriage equality here in Virginia. Today is a victory for justice, fairness, and common sense — but there is more to do. lgbt Virginians still lack important protections that other citizens enjoy, and we need to ensure that they — and all Virginians, regardless of race, religion, gender, or any other trait — are treated as equals. We’re headed in the right direction, but we must keep working until every Virginian is equal under our laws.”