Community Corner

Bob Marshall, Tim Kaine, Ken Cuccinelli Comment on Supreme Court's Decision

Several Northern Virginia Democrats reacted Wednesday to the ruling by the High Court that knocks down the federal Defense of Marriage Act or DOMA through Twitter and statements.

Virginia Del. Bob Marshall who represents Manassas Park and Prince William County, said the Supreme Court's ruling is a stepping stone to striking down all laws defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

Calling the decision by the majority judges a "twisted conclusion," Marshall wrote: "Justice Kennedy and his majority assume powers of clairvoyance when they claim DOMA supporters acted with malice “to disparage and to injure” same-sex couples;  that they wanted to “demean,”  homosexual couples, and “impose inequality,” on them and to “impose . . . a stigma,” to deny  “equal dignity,” and to render homosexuals as “unworthy,” and to “humiliate” their children,"  Marshall said. 

He added that DOMA tax and other federal benefits which applied only to persons in a traditional marriage did not apply to single persons, but did not demean, humiliate and deny dignity to those single people.

Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli's office released this statement to Patch via email early Wednesday afternoon from Brian Gottstein, director of communications for Cuccinelli's attorney general office:

"Virginia has followed the traditional definition of marriage as being between one man and one woman for more than 400 years, and Virginians voted overwhelmingly to add this traditional definition to their constitution.  The Supreme Court's decision in California’s Proposition 8 case could have had implications for all states with marriage laws similar to California’s. 

As the attorney general's legal duty is to vigorously defend Virginia's laws when they are challenged, he filed a brief in conjunction with several other states in the California case and used every available legal argument to defend Virginia’s Constitution and preserve the will of the citizens of the commonwealth.

"Today, the court’s two decisions on marriage make clear that the rulings have no effect on the Virginia Marriage Amendment or to any other Virginia law related to marriage." 

Cuccinelli, a Republican, is running for governor this year. 

Find out what's happening in Manassaswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Congressman Jim Moran (D-8th), via a news release from his office: “The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision today puts the court on the right side of history. DOMA is unjust, un-American, and out of step with the values of our country. Beginning today, same-sex couples in the 12 freedom to marry states will be eligible for the federal protections and responsibilities afforded all other married couples. (See all of Moran’s statement on the ruling here.)

Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-11th), said via Twitter: "#SCOTUS finally recognizes that we're all worthy of equal protection under the law in striking #DOMA. Good day for America #MarriageEquality"

Find out what's happening in Manassaswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Sen. Mark Warner, Democrat, said via Twitter: "Huge victories today, but more work to be done to ensure #MarriageEquality for all Americans. #SCOTUS"

Sen. Tim Kaine, Democrat, said via Twitter: "Great news! #SCOTUS rules #DOMA unconstitutional! Justice for thousands of committed couples across the US"

Terry McAuliffe, Democratic nominee for Virginia governor, said on Twitter: "What an historic day at #SCOTUS! RT if you agree everyone should be treated equally. #vagovhttp://t.co/vScphOcYnd"





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