The Federal District Court ruled that Virginia’s marriage ban violates the U.S. Constitution. It said that loving couples like our plaintiffs, Tim Bostic & Tony London and Carol Schall & Mary Townley are entitled to the same basic rights and protections as every other American.

This is a monumental victory—for Virginia and our country—and the first of its kind for a state in the South.

While the decision will not go into effect immediately—it has been stayed pending appeal—this is a great cause for celebration.

What You Can Do

Help defend this win in federal court by making a donation today.

The anti-equality legal group Alliance Defending Freedom—which worked to get Prop. 8 on the ballot in California and defend it in court— is representing the defendant-intervenor in our case and will try to get this decision overturned. We can’t let them win. Donate >



Reactions

“I am proud to say that today I am equal under the law in my home state of Virginia,” said Plaintiff Tim Bostic. “Tony and I just want to get married like everyone else can. Today’s decision gets us one step closer to making that dream a reality.”

“Mary and I have raised a beautiful daughter, own a home, and have careers that allow us to be a part of our community on many levels,” said Plaintiff Carol Schall. “For us, marriage is about love and commitment and our family having the recognition and protection other families enjoy. Today’s decision makes us incredibly proud of our state and our country.”

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Read the Top Headlines:

[The decision] makes Virginia the first state in the Southeast where a gay marriage ban has been struck down and opens a possible avenue to a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case that could resolve the gay marriage issue for the nation.

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Watch the Press Conference

Listen to the Conference Call

Ted Olson and David Boies are joined by AFER Executive Director Adam Umhoefer and the plaintiffs Tim Bostic, Tony London, Carol Schall, and Mary Townley in an emotional national press teleconference following the historic Virginia ruling.



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