Plum: 'Hallelujah' for Supreme Court's Gay Marriage Decision

Del. Ken Plum has introduced legislation to the Virginia General Assembly year after year in hopes of overturning the Commonwealth's ban on same-sex marriage.

While those bills have died in committee, Plum said yesterday he is hopeful the ruling by the High Court that knocked down the federal Defense of Marriage Act or DOMA  will be a step towards Virginia's laws changing.

"Hallelujah," Plum (D-Reston) told Patch upon hearing the Supreme Court decision. "The courts made the right decision and hopefully it will move us forward in Virginia.

Here are some other local legislators' reactions:
 
Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11th), said via Twitter: "#SCOTUS finally recognizes that we're all worthy of equal protection under the law in striking #DOMA. Good day for America#MarriageEquality."

Congressman Jim Moran (D-8th), via a news release from his office: “The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision today puts the court on the right side of history. DOMA is unjust, un-American, and out of step with the values of our country. Beginning today, same-sex couples in the 12 freedom to marry states will be eligible for the federal protections and responsibilities afforded all other married couples. (See all of Moran’s statement on the ruling here.)

Sen. Mark Warner, Democrat, said via Twitter: "Huge victories today, but more work to be done to ensure #MarriageEquality for all Americans. #SCOTUS"

Sen. Tim Kaine, Democrat, said via Twitter: "Great news!#SCOTUS rules #DOMA unconstitutional! Justice for thousands of committed couples across the US"

Terry McAuliffe, Democratic nominee for Virginia governor, said on Twitter: "What an historic day at #SCOTUS! RT if you agree everyone should be treated equally. #vagovhttp://t.co/vScphOcYnd"

Candidate for Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam (D), released this statement:  "I applaud the Supreme Court for ruling in favor of marriage equality and for seeing the Defense of Marriage Act for what it is: a divisive policy that unjustly discriminates against millions of Americans.  I am running to put a stop to the divisive agenda that has been a roadblock to progress here in Virginia, and as Lieutenant Governor I will work to further the cause of equality because discrimination has no place in our Commonwealth.”

Virginia state Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-30th), Virginia’s first openly gay state senator, tweeted: "Thanks former-Sen Chuck Robb for being only southern senator to have voted against DOMA!#VirginiaStatesman"

"Despite its name, the Defense of Marriage Act does not defend marriage against some imminent, crippling effect," Robb said in an address on the Senate floor at the time. "Although we have made huge strides in the struggle against discrimination based on gender, race, and religion, it is more difficult to see beyond our differences regarding sexual orientation. The fact that our hearts don't speak in the same way is not cause or justification to discriminate."

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