Local
Judge hears oral arguments in Va. marriage case
Olson tells court the state’s prohibition ‘cannot stand’
From left: Josh Duggar, Victoria Cobb of the Family Foundation of Virginia, Allison Howard of Concerned Women for America and EW Jackson take part in an anti-gay marriage rally outside the Norfolk ,Va., federal courthouse on Feb. 4. (Photo courtesy of the Family Foundation of Virginia)
A federal judge in Norfolk, Va., on Tuesday heard oral arguments in a lawsuit that challenges Virginia’s same-sex marriage ban.
Ted Olson and David Boies, who successfully argued against California’s Proposition 8 before the U.S. Supreme Court, told Judge Arenda L. Wright Allen of the U.S. District for the Eastern District of Virginia the commonwealth’s constitutional amendment that defines marriage as between a man and a woman violates the 14th Amendment. The two men represent Timothy Bostic and Tony London and Norfolk and Carol Schall and Mary Townley of Chesterfield who filed suit against the gay nuptials ban last year.
“As a proud Virginian, I am gratified to represent two loving couples in my home state who want nothing more than to have the state recognize their relationships,” said Olson. “Virginia’s prohibition on marriage for same-sex couples relegates gay and lesbian Virginians to second-class status. Laws excluding gay men and lesbians from marriage violate personal freedom, are an unnecessary government intrusion, and cause serious harm. That type of law cannot stand.”
Attorney General Mark Herring, who announced last month he would not defend the marriage amendment, is among those who attended the hearing.
“Today was a very significant day in the journey toward full equality under the law for all Virginians,” said Herring in a statement after he left the courthouse. “I am proud to say that the commonwealth of Virginia stood on the right side of the law and the right side of history today in opposing this discriminatory ban.”
Lawyers with the Alliance Defending Freedom who are representing Prince William County Circuit Court Clerk Michèle McQuigg defended the marriage amendment that Virginia voters approved by a 57-43 percent margin in 2006. Norfolk Circuit Court Clerk George Schaefer tapped attorneys with former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell’s Virginia Beach law firm to represent him in the case.
The Family Foundation of Virginia and a group of professors from Regent University and other conservative academic institutions filed amicus briefs with the court in support of the marriage amendment.
“These citizens support marriage as defined by our constitution because they understand and recognize that our children deserve, whenever possible, to have both a mom and a dad,” said Victoria Cobb, president of the Family Foundation of Virginia. “They are also frustrated that they’ve been disenfranchised by an unconscionable and unprecedented decision by the attorney general of Virginia to take a position in court against the marriage amendment.”
Cobb joined former Virginia lieutenant gubernatorial candidate E.W. Jackson, Josh Duggar of the TLC series “19 Kids and Counting” who works for the Family Research Council, Allison Howard of Concerned Women for America and other same-sex marriage opponents who rallied outside the courthouse before the hearing. Roughly 60 LGBT rights advocates and other supporters of nuptials for gays and lesbians attended a candlelight vigil on Monday night.
“We want to be married for the happy times, but we need to be married for the sad times,” Schall told the Washington Blade on Monday during an interview with her and Townley and Bostic and London. “Virginia should not be in the business of standing in the way of people wanting to care for each other and take responsibility for each other.”
The hearing took place a day after the Republican-controlled Virginia House of Delegates overwhelmingly approved a bill that would allow any state lawmaker to defend a law if the governor and attorney general decline to do so.
The measure’s sponsors — state Dels. Bob Marshall (R-Prince William County) and Todd Gilbert (R-Shenandoah County) — are among the 30 lawmakers who asked Gov. Terry McAuliffe to appoint a special counsel to defend the marriage amendment.
The governor, who supports marriage rights for same-sex couples, last week declined to do so.
A federal judge in Harrisonburg on Jan. 31 certified a second lawsuit the American Civil Liberties Union, Lambda Legal and the ACLU of Virginia filed on behalf of two lesbian couples from the Shenandoah Valley who are seeking marriage rights in the commonwealth as a class action.
Allen said she would issue her ruling in the AFER case “soon.”
“We want to be married,” London told the Blade on Monday. “It’s important to us as Virginians that we get married in the state that we love.”
Maryland
Md. groups receive state grants to fight hate crimes
Pride Center of Maryland among recipients
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy are awarding a total of $10 million in grants in the 2027 fiscal year to nonprofit organizations that work to prevent hate crimes in the state.
The funds will be used to support those who feel targeted or discriminated against because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability status.
The Pride Center of Maryland is among the recipients. Churches, synagogues, mosques, and LGBTQ organizations are all eligible to receive grants
“The safety and security of all Marylanders is my top priority, so we are drawing a hard line because we have no tolerance for hate,” said Moore, according to media reports. “We are committed to protecting and ensuring safe and sacred spaces stay that way by investing in non-profit organizations, houses of worship, and community centers to protect and honor every community that makes our state so diverse and special.”
“Protection Against Hate Crime funding has strengthened the Pride Center of Maryland’s ability to protect, educate, and support the communities we serve … at a time of heightened concern associated with the Trump administration’s anti-LGBTQ/SGL (same-gender-loving) policies and pressures,” Pride Center of Maryland CEO Cleo Manago said. “PAHC funding helps us do more than improve physical security — it strengthens our community’s knowledge, preparedness, connection to resources, and ability to respond to hate with greater awareness and support.”
Maryland’s hate crimes law includes both sexual orientation and gender identity. The state’s nondiscrimination statute is also LGBTQ-inclusive.
District of Columbia
Blade welcomes fall intern
Alexis McLean is student at University of North Florida
The Washington Blade this week welcomed Alexis McLean as its fall intern.
Alexis is studying political science at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Fla. She is interning with the Blade as part of a continued partnership with the Washington Center.
“I am looking forward to spending my time in the fall with the Washington Blade, as this is a new experience for me,” said Alexis. “I have not experienced any journalist jobs in the past so this would be my first time, and I am excited to better my writing and communications skills with this internship.”
Alexis’s internship with the Blade ends in early December.
Rehoboth Beach
SUNFESTIVAL takes center stage as Rehoboth Beach closes out summer
Labor Day Weekend bustling with events, including David Archuleta performance
Labor Day Weekend marks the unofficial end of summer in Rehoboth Beach, but there will be no shortage of LGBTQ events, with CAMP Rehoboth’s annual SUNFESTIVAL taking over town this weekend.
Thursday (9/3)
Get your Labor Day Weekend started early Thursday night with happy hour from 5-7 p.m. at Diego’s Bar & Nightclub, followed by Naughtee Bingo hosted by Magnolia Applebottom at 8:30 p.m.
After bingo, the party continues with Dancing at Diego’s from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Aqua Bar & Grill will also kick off its Labor Day Weekend festivities Thursday with a DJ spinning from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Friday (9/4)
The weekend ramps up Friday night at Aqua, where DJ Matt Bailer will keep the dance floor moving from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Over at Diego’s, DJ Steve Sidewalk will then take over Diego’s for Freedom Friday from 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m.
Saturday (9/5)
The main event of the weekend arrives Saturday with the opening night of CAMP Rehoboth’s SUNFESTIVAL.
Billed as the ultimate party to close out the summer, SUNFESTIVAL has become one of Rehoboth’s signature Labor Day Weekend events. The annual celebration sells out each year, with proceeds benefiting CAMP Rehoboth.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with refreshments available at the cash bar while attendees are invited to socialize and find their seats.
Saturday night will feature local singer Ashley Williams as the opening performer, followed by headliner David Archuleta. The event will also feature a live auction.
Back across town Saturday, Aqua will continue its Labor Day Weekend DJ lineup from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Diego’s will also have plenty happening, with ‘Splash Party’ hosted by Magnolia Applebottom at 5 p.m., followed by a Saturday Dance Party with Brett Oosterhaus from 9 p.m.- 1:30 a.m.
The Blue Moon hosts its popular Legends Show at 9 p.m. It’s an all-live singing show by the Blue Moon cast of celebrity impersonators.
Etienne Pilon has taken Rehoboth by storm this summer. Check out the talented singer/pianist at The Pines from 7-10 p.m.
Sunday (9/6)
Sunday’s SUNFESTIVAL event will shift the focus to the dance floor, with globally renowned DJs Robbie Leslie and James Anthony scheduled to perform. Doors open at 7 p.m., with dancing continuing until 1 a.m.
On Sunday, Aqua will throw its annual White Party, with DJs spinning from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Guests are encouraged to dress in white for the holiday weekend celebration.
Diego’s will host its Sunday High T-Dance with Pamala Stanley at 5 p.m. Later that evening, DJ Tannr will be spinning at 9 p.m.
John Flynn is on the piano from 6-8 p.m. at the Blue Moon.
Monday (9/7)
The final day of Labor Day Weekend brings one last chance to hit the dance floor before summer officially winds down.
Aqua will close out its five-day Labor Day Weekend celebration with DJ Biff from 3-7 p.m.
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