Senator Ebbin responded to GOP LG Nominee Reid's comments opposing the constitutional amendment to protect marriage equality in Virginia.

Virginia Scope: Ebbin and Henson respond to Reid opposing amendment to repeal defunct same-sex marriage ban
June 26, 2025

Two state legislators responded Thursday to Republican lieutenant governor nominee John Reid’s opposition to the repeal of Virginia’s defunct ban on same-sex marriage.

Virginia Scope recently asked Reid, the first openly gay statewide nominee in Virginia, why he opposes the repeal.

“It doesn’t provide protection for people who sincerely don’t agree with gay marriage,” he said. “I’m running to be the lieutenant governor, not to be somebody’s pastor, but I’ve got to protect everybody’s rights.”

He also pointed out that the United States Supreme Court ruled the ban unconstitutional, making it obsolete in Virginia.

Sen. Adam Ebbin, D-Alexandria, is sponsoring the amendment to repeal the ban. Ebbin was the first openly gay member of the House of Delegates and state Senate.

“There is no need to protect the people who disagree,” Ebbin said during a press call. “If people don’t like same sex marriage, then they shouldn’t marry someone of the same gender.”

“This is about following the law of the land,” Ebbin continued. “Following the Supreme Court ruling that we think was correct, and enshrining it in our Constitution to keep it there.”

Read the full article here.

Senator Ebbin and other Virginia elected leaders called out Winsome Earle-Sears’ as she threatens same-sex marriage.

DPVA Press: Elected Leaders, Virginians Call Out Sears’ Extreme Record That’s a Threat to Same-Sex Marriage
June 26, 2025

VIRGINIA – Today, on the 10th Anniversary of Obergefell v. Hodges, the U.S. Supreme Court decision protecting same-sex marriage, elected leaders and Virginians called out Winsome Earle-Sears’ as she threatens same-sex marriage. 

“Marriage equality is fundamental,” said Charlottesville Clerk of Court Llezelle Dugger who issued the first marriage license when same-sex marriage became legal in Virginia. “The overwhelming majority of Virginians support same-sex marriage. Winsome Earle-Sears wants to take that away.”

“While the overwhelming majority of Virginians support same-sex marriage, Winsome Earle-Sears wants to roll back this fundamental right. In her own words, she is “morally opposed” to same-sex marriage and is a threat to  it,” said Senator Adam Ebbin. 

“When you look at Winsome Earle-Sears’ record, it’s crystal clear that she won’t protect marriage equality – if she has the chance, she’ll roll back our fundamental rights,” said Delegate Rozia Henson. “Virginians deserve a leader who represents their values and will listen to and fight for what the Commonwealth wants and needs. Winsome Earle-Sears won’t do that.”  

Here’s what to know about Sears’ extreme record: 

Read the full article here.

Senator Ebbin joins Delegate Paul Krizek in an op-ed to discuss the risks of poor oversight of gaming in Virginia.

Richmond Times-Dispatch: As gaming explodes, lack of oversight puts Virginia at risk
June 3, 2025

Nearly a decade ago, Virginia became the first state to establish a framework that legalized and regulated fantasy sports.

Since then, fantasy sports and other forms of gaming have proliferated amid a marketplace that has continually evolved. Virginia’s once-innovative regulatory model, unfortunately, is now outdated and fails to provide the clarity, fairness and accountability that Virginians deserve.

The solution is simple. Virginia needs to establish and empower a single, self-funding agency to protect consumers and ensure operators comply with legal requirements for responsible play.

Virginia’s current system

Today, Virginia has three entities charged with regulating various forms of legal gaming.

• The Virginia Lottery, an independent agency, regulates lottery games, casinos and sports betting.

• The Office of Charitable and Regulatory Programs, in the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, regulates fantasy sports and charitable gaming such as bingo, slot-like electronic pull tab machines and Texas Hold ‘em poker tournaments.

• The Virginia Racing Commission, an executive agency, oversees horse race wagering, including slot-like historical horse racing games.

A 2022 Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission study reported that neither the Virginia Racing Commission nor the Office of Charitable and Regulatory Programs has adequate staffing to effectively carry out their regulatory oversight responsibilities.

The lack of clarity and consistency in Virginia’s regulatory system is colliding with the reality of a rapidly evolving marketplace, and the risks to Virginians are troubling and real. Resetting the regulatory model will strengthen existing protections against operators engaging in illegal and exploitative financial practices.

Here are two examples that demonstrate how the market has evolved beyond the regulatory capacities of Virginia’s current system:

Read the full article here.