Delegate Joseph Yost is the First GOP Virginia State Lawmaker to Back Marriage Equality
Del. Joseph Yost (R-Giles County) on Tuesday became the first Republican state lawmaker in Virginia to back marriage equality, the Washington Blade reports:
“As far as same-sex marriage goes, it does not bother me,” state Del. Joseph Yost (R-Giles County) told the Washington Blade during an interview at an Equality Virginia reception that took place at the Library of Virginia in downtown Richmond. “Why not?” ...
“It boils down to tradition; it’s just a generational gap,” said Yost. “I don’t think the government should be involved in marriage period — straight or gay. I feel like we have bigger things to worry about.”
Yost represents the 12th Senate District that includes Radford, Giles County and portions of Montgomery and Pulaski Counties in southwestern Virginia.
Yes, this guy gets it
Posted by: RONTEX | Jan 30, 2014 10:19:23 AM
I wouldn't call that backing anything. I call that a resounding "meh."
Posted by: WOLF | Jan 30, 2014 10:24:15 AM
That's amazing. He's quite courageous. He represents one of the most conservative parts of the state. Kudos to him.
Posted by: TampaZeke | Jan 30, 2014 10:25:56 AM
There are a few Republicans who are pro-equality in VA's legislature now and that's nice to see...too bad they're totally outnumbered. Yost is 27. He's the future Republican. But in the present I hope his support of marriage equality doesn't hurt him in future elections.
You're right Wolf...his response does amount to a meh. But that's the thing...with the younger generation, it is a meh issue in the sense that the whole fighting against LGBT rights simply does not register with them. They don't care who marries who or if someone is gay or trans. So it's a good response compared to the average Republican.
Posted by: Francis | Jan 30, 2014 10:36:12 AM
It's nice to see that sometimes politics doesn't get in the way of doing the right thing.
The divide within the Republican party is ever deepening. Republicans themselves are changing and not just their representatives.
Posted by: Hey Darlin' | Jan 30, 2014 11:23:06 AM
"Yost represents the 12th Senate District that includes Radford, Giles County and portions of Montgomery and Pulaski Counties in southwestern Virginia."
Not for long.
Posted by: DC Insider | Jan 30, 2014 11:24:18 AM
That's a red-necky ultra-conservative and ultra-stupid part of Virginia. His comment is pretty damn brave.
Posted by: Rick D. | Jan 30, 2014 11:37:57 AM
This is support? Sorry, Mr. Yost, but you miss the point completely, as usual. Government should be involved in marriage. Marriage is a civil right. The government should ensure equality for all consenting adult couples to be able to marry. Your party insists that marriage is a religious issue. One can agree that we have "bigger things to worry about" but your party isn't the one who will resolve those bigger things. What one hopes is that your party is finally kicked to the trash bin of American history.
Posted by: jamal49 | Jan 30, 2014 11:39:48 AM
Actually he is in the House, not the Senate. This is not too surprising since there are several colleges in his district, including Virginia Tech (in Blacksburg) and Radford College. Still this is a positive step.
The Westboro Baptist Church came to Blacksburg a few years back. There was a large demonstration against them at the time.
Posted by: Charlie | Jan 30, 2014 11:55:23 AM
Thank you Mr. Yost.
Posted by: andrew | Jan 30, 2014 1:08:49 PM
"I don’t think the government should be involved in marriage period "
Oh great, another libertarian who would have us subject to whims of bigoted churches.
Posted by: Randy | Jan 30, 2014 4:53:33 PM
@Randy: You've lived your entire life subject to the whims of bigoted churches. Getting government out out of the otherwise meaningless ceremony business would free you from that. Stop and think.
I wonder if Delegate Yost is related to that sexy gay dude who played the Blue Power Ranger when we were kids?
Posted by: FFS | Jan 31, 2014 2:49:36 AM