Portsmouth, VA.

On February 13th, 2014, United States District Judge Arenda L. Wright Allen issued a ruling declaring that Virginia's constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage is unconstitutional under the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution. The Green Party of Virginia applauds Judge Allen's decision for making important progress towards equal rights for all Americans, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. This represents a critical victory for LGBT activists in Virginia and across the nation. Too long have these individuals been denied their constitutionally protected right to equal treatment under the law.

As Judge Allen eloquently states: "Justice has often been forged from the fires of indignities and prejudices suffered. Our triumphs that celebrate the freedom of choice are hallowed. We have arrived upon another moment in history when We the People becomes more inclusive, and our freedom more perfect." While this particular battle may be won, there is still work to be done before same-sex marriages are legally acknowledged in the state of Virginia. Judge Allen's injunction will not go into effect immediately, pending any appeals to the Fourth Circuit Court.

The Green Party of Virginia strongly supports the rights of gays and lesbians to marry, adopt, and receive equal treatment under the law in child custody cases. We remain optimistic that the Court of Appeals will confirm Judge Allen's conclusion that "Virginia's Marriage Laws unconstitutionally deny Virginia's gay and lesbian citizens the fundamental freedom to choose to marry". Jude Allen's complete ruling in Bostic v. Rainey can be found at: https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/1018081-vassmruling.html

Additional information on the Green Party of the United States can be found at: http://www.gp.org
Additional information on the Virginia Green Party can be found at: http://vagreenparty.org/
Contact GPVA Press Secretary: Ryan Ruff, 757-541-8896