Court's Rulings Don't Affect Virginia's Gay-Marriage Ban

Advocates on both sides of the gay marriage debate agree that the Supreme Court's decisions in two cases don't affect Virginia's same-sex marriage ban.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday struck down a provision of a federal law denying federal benefits to married gay couples. It also left a lower court ruling overturning California's gay marriage ban intact. But that decision was based on a legal technicality and did not address the constitutionality of state laws prohibiting same-sex unions.

James Parrish of Equality Virginia praised the Supreme Court's rulings. He said the gay-rights organization will continue working to repeal Virginia's gay marriage ban.

Victoria Cobb of the conservative Family Foundation said she was disappointed the federal law was struck down. But she noted that Virginia's prohibition stands.

RELATED COVERAGE ON NBCWASHINGTON.COM:

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us