MEDIA ADVISORY – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 13, 2013
Rev. Dr. Robin Gorsline, People of Faith for Equality in Virginia |
[email protected] | 804.519.3196
Kevin Clay, Equality Virginia |
[email protected] | 804.643.4816
Victoria Bragunier, Alliance for Progressive Values |
[email protected] | 804.517.5206
Five Communities Gather for Events Supporting Marriage Equality – PLUS Press Conference w. Del. Scott Surovell in Richmond (see footnote)
What: Statewide Marriage Equality Rallies & Press Conference in Richmond
When & Where: Thursday, February 14
- ARLINGTON
10 a.m., Arlington Judicial Center, 1425 N. Courthouse Rd., Arlington, VA 22201
- CHARLOTTESVILLE
3 p.m., Charlottesville Clerk’s Office, 315 E. High St., Charlottesville, VA 22902
- HAMPTON
12 p.m. Hampton General District Court, 236 N. King St., Hampton, VA 23669
- RICHMOND*
12 p.m., Richmond Circuit Court, North 9th St, Richmond, VA 23219
- WINCHESTER
12 p.m., Winchester Courthouse, 5 N. Kent St., Winchester, VA 22601
Who: Leaders in the faith community and supporters of equality gather with loving gay and lesbian couples who will apply for marriage licenses at their local clerk’s office.
*Press Conference in Richmond:
10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
5 East Conference Room
General Assembly Building 1000 Bank St., Richmond, VA 23219
Join Del. Scott Surovell with local community and faith leaders for this press conference discussing recent proposed legislation in Virginia supporting marriage equality. Surovell will be joined by gay and lesbian couples impacted by lack of relationship recognition.
At the beginning of this year’s General Assembly, Del. Scott Surovell (D-44) introduced HJ 665, a resolution that was the necessary first step toward repealing the Marshall-Newman amendment to the Constitution of Virginia that denies all relationship recognition to gay and lesbian couples. This resolution was tabled and therefore killed in committee, not even bringing the issue to a floor vote.
More Info:
Marriage between gay and lesbian couples is currently not legal in Virginia and relationships are not recognized because of the 2006 Marshall-Newman Amendment.
“I can say confidently that the day is coming when legal marriage will be available to all Virginians. That constitutional provision will be overturned—by the voters,” Rev. Dr. Robin Gorsline, president of People of Faith for Equality in Virginia said. “History is always, ultimately, ‘standing on the side of love.’ The tide of love will wash out the stain of hate and ignorance.”
While close-minded voices in Virginia are loud, these religious voices are rising in unison and speaking with love in support of equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Virginians.
“We must show that all Virginians care about marriage equality,” Equality Virginia Executive Director James Parrish said. “This Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to stand up for love – we’re excited to work with People of Faith for Equality in Virginia to recognize gay and lesbian couples in communities across the state.”
This year’s Witness for Marriage event takes place in five communities across Virginia on Valentine’s Day: Arlington, Charlottesville, Hampton, Richmond, and Winchester.
"February 14th is celebrated by many as a day to get married. In the Commonwealth of Virginia, gay and lesbian couples are still denied this right. This is unconscionable, and we urge all Virginians to stand together in support of marriage equality." Victoria Bragunier, Director of Alliance for Progressive Values, added.
###
