Community Corner

Falls Church Couple: When Will Virginia Get On Board with Same-Sex Marriage?

Falls Church resident Lawrence Webb believes it's time for Virginia and the 37 other states that do not recognize same sex marriage to get on board.

Lawrence Webb is wondering when Virginia will get on board now that the Supreme Court of the United Stated ruled the Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional.
 
For more than a decade, Webb and his partner, Clifton Taylor, have lived as a monogamous couple. Throughout their relationship, all they have wanted was for the government to allow them the same rights as heterosexual married couples.
See: Gay Marriage: Falls Church Couple Proud of the Progress on Debate

With the Supreme Court’s 5-4 ruling, the federal government must recognize same-sex marriages legalized by individual states, including Maryland. But since Virginia doesn’t allow same-sex marriage, the effect of the Supreme Court’s ruling in Virginia is limited at best.

“There is a constitutional ban in Virginia,” Webb said Wednesday. “For Clifton and I to receive those benefits, we’ll have to either fight for equality in all 50 states or make a move somewhere that recognizes gay couples.”

Virginia politicians voiced their opinions on the DOMA ruling Wednesday. Congressman Jim Moran (D-8th) said the decision puts the Supreme on the right side of history and called DOMA un-American.

In a written statement, Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, who is running for governor, said the Commonwealth has followed a traditional definition of marriage as being between one man and one woman for more than 400 years.

Webb said Virginia residents have come a long way in 400 years.

“It’s a very historic moment that I knew had potential,” Webb said. “There is still work to be done in the other 38 states.”


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here