West Virginia drops gay marriage ban [View all]
Celebrate!! 
The Charleston Gazette
Thursday, October 9, 2014
West Virginia drops gay marriage ban
By Erin Beck Staff writer
Same-sex couples and civil rights advocates celebrated a historic victory Thursday after West Virginia government officials said they no longer would fight efforts to allow couples of the same gender to marry in the state.
Shortly after 1 p.m., Attorney General Patrick Morrisey said his office would not defend against the lawsuit challenging the state’s same-sex marriage ban and Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin said he would direct state agencies to follow the law as interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court, which recently refused to hear appeals of several challenges to marriage bans in other states.
A few hours later, clerks in some counties were giving marriage licenses to gay and lesbian couples.
“Our state is known for its kindness and hospitality to residents and visitors alike,” Tomblin said in his statement. “I encourage all West Virginians — regardless of their personal beliefs — to uphold our statewide tradition of treating one another with dignity and respect.” -
See more at: http://www.wvgazette.com/article/20141009/GZ01/141009221/1419#sthash.4z4kq8FP.dpuf
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