Hearing set for gay Norfolk couple challenging Va. same-sex marriage ban

[AGENT J]

Hearing set for gay Norfolk couple challenging Va. same-sex marriage ban - Richmond Times-Dispatch: Government And Politics

Hearing set for gay Norfolk couple challenging Va. same-sex marriage ban

Same-sex union case goes before judge Jan. 30
Sunday, January 12, 2014 12:00 amBY MARKUS SCHMIDT Richmond Times-Dispatch


A gay couple from Norfolk that has sued in federal court to overturn Virginia’s same-sex marriage ban will have a hearing before U.S. Judge Arenda L. Wright Allen on Jan. 30, a spokesman for the couple said Thursday.

“It’s important for our plaintiffs to have their stories told, and for the judge to hear firsthand about the harm that Virginia’s punitive and unfair marriage amendment has done to their families and lives, whereby they are treated as second-class citizens and not afforded the same rights and freedoms as other married couples under the law,” said Adam Umhoefer, executive director of the American Foundation for Equal Rights, which is sponsoring the couple’s case.
Old Dominion University professor Timothy Bostic and partner Tony C. London, a Navy veteran and real estate agent, filed the suit last summer against State Registrar of Vital Records Janet M. Rainey and Norfolk Circuit Court Clerk George E. Schaefer after they were denied a marriage license because of the 2006 amendment to the Virginia Constitution that defines marriage as between a man and a woman.

Bostic said in an interview that in 24 years, he and London had built a home together, developed a close circle of supportive friends and family, and supported each other during their ups and downs.

“We filed this lawsuit because we want our relationship to be recognized, just like everyone else’s,” Bostic said. “Further, it is important to us as Virginians to get married in a state we love, in a state we have called home for so long.”

Backup Links:
Virginia gay marriage ban faces challenge - Daily Press
Ebbin Begins Battle to Repeal Virginia's Gay Marriage Ban - Government - Fredericksburg, VA Patch


Awesome more progress made on court cases and dates!!!!
Eventually SCOTUS is gonna get involved.

1/5/14 Version 3.4


18 States with Equal Rights


Massachusetts - May 17, 2004
Connecticut - November 12, 2008
Iowa - April 27, 2009
Vermont - September 1, 2009
New Hampshire - January 1, 2010
Washing D.C. - March 9, 2010
FALL OF DADT Dec 18, 2010
New York - July 24, 2011
Washington - December 6, 2012
Maine - December 29, 2012
Maryland - January 1, 2013
FALL OF DOMA - June 26, 2013
California - June 28, 2013
Delaware - July 1, 2013
Rhode Island - August 1, 2013
Minnesota - August 1, 2013
New Jersey - October 21, 2013
Hawaii - December 2, 2013
New Mexico – December 19, 2013
Utah – December 20. 2013 (appealing to supreme court! )
Illinois - June 1, 2014 effective


21 States Working Towards Equal Rights


14 States with Pending Court Cases to Establish Equal Rights
Alaska (Suit to be filed this month)
Kentucky
Idaho
Louisiana
Michigan (Feb 2014 Trial)
Mississippi
North Carolina
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania (June 14 Trial)
South Carolina
Tennessee (Direct US Constitution Challenge)
Texas (Jan 2014 Trial, Direct US Constitution Challenge)
Virginia (two different suits, one involves Prop8 lawyers) Hearing will be before Jan 30th
West Virginia


4 States with Court Case(s) and Legislation to establish Equal Rights
Arizona
Arkansas (Decesion Pending and 2016 ballot)
Nevada
Ohio (December 2013 trial) Trial had narrow ruling that ohio will recognize OTHER state marriages but didn’t impact bans. New cases expected.


3 States with Legislation to Establish Equal Rights
Colorado
Florida
Oregon


thats 39 states that could have equal rights by 2016 and some much sooner!

 

[danarhea]

 

[AGENT J]

lol thats awesome!!!!

the sanctity argument has always been and will always be a failed argument, a complete strawman.