Monday, July 28, 2014

Virginia's tourism slogan -- "Virginia is for lovers" -- takes on new meaning.

The 4th Federal Circuit Court of Appeals has just upheld a lower court decision that overturned Virginia's ban on same-sex marriage.    Now the popular advertising slogan for the state -- "Virginia Is For Lovers" -- is expanded to include gay and lesbian couples.

This decision from the 4th Circuit Court joins the two decisions from the 10th Circuit Court affecting Utah and Oklahoma.

This brings the count of marriage equality states to 20, plus D.C.  In addition, some 9 or so cases are pending appeals to other Federal Circuit Courts.   Coming up are hearings on Aug. 6th before the 6th Circuit Court, on Aug. 26th before the 7th Circuit Court, and on Sept. 8th before the 9th Circuit Court.

These hearings will involve cases from a total of eight different additional states.  Beyond that, every other state that still has a ban now also has a lawsuit pending to end those bans.

It's looking increasingly likely that SCOTUS will hear one or more of these cases in the coming session.   And then . . .  it could be all over.

Ralph

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