Could a ruling be imminent in one of two Virginia marriage equality cases pending in the state right now?
Following Attorney General Mark Herring's announcement that his office has concluded the state's policy on gay marriage violates the 14th Amendment rights of same-sex couples, District Judge Arenda Allen, citing “the compelling Notice from the Office of the Attorney General,” notified parties that she no longer sees a need for oral arguments scheduled for January 30.
She directed all parties to respond as to whether they believe oral arguments are necessary or “whether the Court should instead rule promptly on the briefs without a hearing.” The clear suggestion is that argument would be appropriate only to articulate points not already made in the written briefs.
As we reported yesterday, a group of GOP lawmakers is now calling on Governor Terry McAuliffe to step in and defend the ban.
Responses are due January 27. Stay tuned after that…
