Supreme Court gives gay marriage historic boost; Democrats, Libertarians hail ruling
The court rules that legally married same-sex couples should get the same federal benefits as heterosexual couples and cleared the way for gay marriage in California.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
WASHINGTON -- In significant but incomplete victories for gay rights, the Supreme Court on Wednesday struck down a provision of a federal law denying federal benefits to married gay couples and cleared the way for the resumption of same-sex marriage in California.
The justices issued two 5-4 rulings in their final session of the term. One decision wiped away part of a federal anti-gay marriage law that has kept legally married same-sex couples from receiving tax, health and pension benefits.
The other was a technical legal ruling that said nothing at all about same-sex marriage, but left in place a trial court's declaration that California's Proposition 8 is unconstitutional. That outcome probably will allow state officials to order the resumption of same-sex weddings in the nation's most populous state in about a month.
Follow ongoing updates from the Associated Press
Virginia Democrats and Libertarians are hailing the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling striking down the federal Defense of Marriage Act.
Sen. Mark R. Warner initially tweeted: "YES!!!!! #DOMA #SCOTUS
In a follow-up Tweet he said: "Huge victories today, but more work to be done to ensure #Marriage Equality for all Americans."
State Sen. Adam P. Ebbin, D-Alexandria, who is openly gay, tweeted:
"5-4 DOMA Unconstitutional as deprivation of equal liberty. #and JusticeFor All#21st Century"
Sen. Timothy M. Kaine, D-Va. tweeted: "Great news! #SCOTUS rules #DOMA unconstitutional! Justice for thousands of committed couples across the US"
Equality Virginia applauded the Supreme Court's decision on DOMA.
“Since 2006, Virginia has had a constitutional amendment that prohibits the legal recognition of gay and lesbian couples,” Equality Virginia Executive Director James Parrish said.
“While we continue working to lift the ban on marriage here at home, we can celebrate today’s decision from the Supreme Court, affirming that all loving and committed couples deserve equal respect and treatment.”
The Libertarian Party of Virginia also praised the ruling. It noted in a statement that the Libertarian Party platform states that “Sexual orientation, preference, gender, or gender identity should have no impact on the government's treatment of individuals, such as in current marriage, child custody, adoption, immigration or military service laws.”
Robert Sarvis, Libertarian Party of Virginia candidate for governor, has said that one of his goals in this year’s race is to lead the fight in Virginia towards recognizing same-sex marriage in Virginia.
On the Blue Ridge Caucus Blog: Virginia pols react to Supreme Court rulings on same-sex marriage
1. 41-vehicle wreck ties up traffic Sunday on I-81 in Rockbridge County
2. Virginia Tech football roster has holes on picture day
3. Medicare penalties hit hospitals in Roanoke, New River Valleys
4. Microfestivus beer event gets downtown Roanoke hopping
5. McFarling: 2 little numbers are a big hurdle for Virginia Tech football
6. Arrest made in case of missing Nelson County teen
7. DAN CASEY: Copter cost still stirring up dust
8. Virginia attorney general's office grows under Ken Cuccinelli
9. Man's drowning is 5th in Lynchburg area
10. Roanoke farmers markets making local foods more accessible
THE ROANOKE TIMES
comments