Senator Ebbin Responds to GOP LG Nominee reid's opposition to Amendment to protect marriage equality

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.”

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