"This decision is a victory for the Constitution and for treating everyone equally under the law," the attorney general said in a statement Thursday night.

"It is the latest step in a journey towards equality for all Virginians, no matter who they are or whom they love. But Judge Wright Allen's eloquent decision is only one step in what I suspect will be an extended legal process to definitively answer the questions raised in this case."

James Parrish, executive director of Equality Virginia, called it "an historic day in Virginia."

"I am proud that here in Virginia we are no longer asking if the freedom to marry the person you love will be a reality, but instead we are asking when," he said. "With this ruling, we are one step closer to gaining full equality for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Virginians. Today Virginia is standing on the right side of history."

Attorneys defending the ban had countered in court that marriage is a traditional institution that “celebrates the diversity of the sexes,” and that it is in the best interests of children.

Backers of the ban expressed dismay Thursday night.