Virginia and gay marriage

See stories by Michael Pope. [1][2] Previously, the state had passed a statute prohibiting same-sex marriage inand further restrictions. Marriage equality advocates say there’s an urgent need to overturn the legacy ban as civil rights come under threat.

Michael Pope. Now a constitutional amendment is moving through the legislature that could set up a referendum in to undo that. As of the beginning of this month, Virginia put dozens of new laws into effect. on October 6 after the Fourth Circuit issued its mandate, and since then Virginia has performed legal marriages of same-sex couples and recognized out-of-state same-sex marriages.

Community Calendar. Federally, this includes access to Social Security spousal and survivor benefits, Medicare, and federal tax exemptions like estate and gift tax exemptions, allowing joint tax returns. Michael Pope is an author and journalist who lives in Old Town Alexandria.

With the legalization of same-sex marriage, couples in Virginia are entitled to the same rights, benefits, and protections as opposite-sex married couples. Same-sex marriages subsequently began at p.m. Radio IQ Programs. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email.

Search Query Show Search. Play Live Radio. Next Up:. All Streams. One protects same-sex marriage. Show Search Search Query. Opinion Virginia’s ban on same-sex marriage may have been rendered moot but remains in the state constitution InVirginians voted to ban such unions.

Nine years ago, the United States Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage and overturned part of Virginia's Constitution that banned it. Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin signed the bill, which includes exemptions for clergy or religious organizations.

The part of Virginia's Constitution that outlaws same-sex marriage is still there, even though the Supreme Court ruling makes it unenforceable. Jose Luis Magana. But Jeff Caruso at the Virginia Catholic Conference says many people are still not on board with same-sex marriage.

Now, the pendulum seems to be swinging in the other direction for people like Narissa Rahaman, who is executive director for Equality Virginia. Sen. Tim Kaine condemned Winsome Earle-Sears’ “that’s not discrimination” debate remarks on firing or denying marriage to gay people as “a real head scratcher.”.

This report, provided by Virginia Public Radiowas made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association. Tags News Local News.