DOMA, Supreme Court Ruling: Northern Virginia Politicians React

Patch senior field editor Mary Ann Barton reported and wrote this story.

Several Northern Virginia Democrats reacted Wednesday to the ruling by the High Court that knocks down the federal Defense of Marriage Act or DOMA through Twitter and statements.

As of 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, there was no official reaction from Ken Cuccinelli, the Republican nominee for governor, Gov. Bob McDonnell (R), Lt. Gov. candidate E.W. Jackson (R) or Congressman Frank Wolf (R-10th), on Wednesday's Supreme Court announcement.

Congressman Jim Moran (D-8th), via a news release from his office: “The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision today puts the court on the right side of history. DOMA is unjust, un-American, and out of step with the values of our country. Beginning today, same-sex couples in the 12 freedom to marry states will be eligible for the federal protections and responsibilities afforded all other married couples. (See all of Moran’s statement on the ruling here.)

Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-11th), said via Twitter: "#SCOTUS finally recognizes that we're all worthy of equal protection under the law in striking #DOMA. Good day for America #MarriageEquality"

Sen. Mark Warner, Democrat, said via Twitter: "Huge victories today, but more work to be done to ensure #MarriageEquality for all Americans. #SCOTUS"

Sen. Tim Kaine, Democrat, said via Twitter: "Great news! #SCOTUS rules #DOMA unconstitutional! Justice for thousands of committed couples across the US"

Terry McAuliffe, Democratic nominee for Virginia governor, said on Twitter: "What an historic day at #SCOTUS! RT if you agree everyone should be treated equally. #vagovhttp://t.co/vScphOcYnd"

Candidate for Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam (D), released this statement:  "I applaud the Supreme Court for ruling in favor of marriage equality and for seeing the Defense of Marriage Act for what it is: a divisive policy that unjustly discriminates against millions of Americans.  I am running to put a stop to the divisive agenda that has been a roadblock to progress here in Virginia, and as Lieutenant Governor I will work to further the cause of equality because discrimination has no place in our Commonwealth.”

Virginia state Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-30th), Virginia’s first openly gay state senator, tweeted: "Thanks former-Sen Chuck Robb for being only southern senator to have voted against DOMA! #VirginiaStatesman"

"Despite its name, the Defense of Marriage Act does not defend marriage against some imminent, crippling effect," Robb said in an address on the Senate floor at the time. "Although we have made huge strides in the struggle against discrimination based on gender, race, and religion, it is more difficult to see beyond our differences regarding sexual orientation. The fact that our hearts don't speak in the same way is not cause or justification to discriminate."