Virginia’s House of Delegates on Tuesday officially repealed a state provision of the state's statutory code banning same-sex marriage.
“We just voted for Del. @nancyguyva’s bill to repeal the statuary [sic] code that unconstitutionally and unenforceably bans marriage equality in Virginia,” tweeted Virginia Del. Danica Roem (D), the first openly trans woman elected to the state legislature. “I’m so happy right now.”
We just voted for Del. @nancyguyva’s bill to repeal the statuary code that unconstitutionally and unenforceably bans marriage equality in Virginia.
— Danica Roem (@pwcdanica) January 28, 2020
I’m so happy right now.
️❤️ pic.twitter.com/HwQJLpu8fB
“Great day for equality in our Commonwealth! Moving Virginia forward one step at a time!” Del. Nancy Guy (D), the measure’s sponsor, tweeted in response after the measure passed the chamber 63 to 34 before heading to the state Senate, where Democrats also hold a majority.
Great day for equality in our Commonwealth! Moving Virginia forward one step at a time! Thank you @pwcdanica and all other Delegates who signed on to this bill. https://t.co/AYzRSxzNF4
— Delegate Nancy Guy (@nancyguyva) January 28, 2020
The Marshall-Newman Amendment, which stated, “Only a union between one man and one woman may be a marriage valid in or recognized by this Commonwealth and its political subdivisions,” passed with 57 percent support on the 2006 ballot in Virginia.
Its namesake, then-Del. Bob Marshall (R), lost his seat to Roem in 2017. The amendment itself is also scheduled to be formally repealed.
The repeal is largely symbolic after the Supreme Court made gay marriage legal nationwide in the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision.
Updated: 7:59 p.m.
