Today's
startling decision by the Supreme Court to not hear any of the pending marriage equality appeals and the swift aftermath in the states affected has been a sheer joy to watch unfold. One of the most satisfying moments for me came out of the Great State of Virginia.
Please continue reading below the fold.
One of the marriage equality appeals that was declined by SCOTUS was brought by the American Foundation for Equal Rights in Bostic v. Schaefer. In the appeal, Plaintiffs Tim Bostic and Tony London sued Virginia County Clerk George Schaefer after being denied a marriage license. During the process, Schaefer was strongly backed by the frothingly anti-gay group, Alliance Defending Freedom.
When Virginia's appeal was refused by the high court, Bostic and London rushed to the Norfolk County Clerk's office to fill out their marriage certificate. Patrick Wilson, a reporter for the Virginian-Pilot was there to capture and tweet the moment as George Schaefer found himself in the position of having to abide by the law and sign the document permitting these two gentlemen to wed. Ha! Sometimes I just love my justice served up with a nice side of Schadenfreude.
I do have to hand it to George Schaefer though. He managed to keep a sense of humor through it.
Congratulations Virginia and to all the other states today who have finally seen equality come to their people. We will not forget those in the states where inequality remains and will continue to fight for the right of every American to marry the person they love.