Norfolk Couple Challenges Va. Gay Marriage Ban

A Norfolk couple is challenging Virginia's gay marriage ban.

Timothy B. Bostic and Tony C. London say in a federal lawsuit that they were turned down when they tried to obtain a marriage license at the Norfolk Circuit Court on July 1.

Their lawsuit argues that Virginia's unequal treatment of gays and lesbians denies them equal protection and liberties guaranteed by the 14th Amendment.

The lawsuit names as defendants Gov. Bob McDonnell, Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli and Norfolk Circuit Court Clerk George E. Schaefer. It was filed last week in U.S. District Court in Norfolk.

Cuccinelli spokesman Brian Gottstein tells the Richmond Times-Dispatch that the Attorney General's Office generally doesn't comment on pending litigation. Schaefer told the newspaper that he couldn't comment because he had not yet been served.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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