Current Affairs

US: Challenge to Virginia state ban on same-sex marriage to be filed today

Aug 01 2013
Written by Joseph McCormick

Human and gay rights groups are today to file a challenge in court to the state of Virginia’s ban on same-sex marriage.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and Lambda Legal, both which strongly advocate for the LGBT community, said they would discuss the challenge after filing it, reports the Associated Press.

Last month, the ACLU, and the ACLU of North Carolina Legal Foundation, announced that it will challenge equal marriage bans in North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

In the 2006 general election, an amendment was added to the Virginia state Constitution banning same-sex marriage. 57% of voters approved the ban to 43%.

Efforts are in motion to eventually repeal the ban, including last week a couple Norfolk, Virginia filed a separate federal lawsuit challenging it.

Last month, a poll revealed that more than half of Virginia voters offered their support for equal marriage, with a clear majority of females approving of it.