Virginia Is For Lovers
I have always found the slogan “Virginia is for Lovers” somewhat ironic ever since reading, in law school, the infamous Loving v. Virginia case that dealt with Virginia opposing the loving (interracial marriage) of a black woman and a white man. Even after that 1967 Supreme Court case, the slogan continued to hold curious meaning with Virginia’s opposition of gay marriage. This makes the 2014 Bostic v. Rainey decision impactful to the Virginian loving lore.
District Court Judge Arenda L. Wright Allen, nominated to the Virginia federal court in 2011, has brought national attention to her opinion, issued on the eve of Valentine’s Day, when she closed by stating that:
“We have arrived upon another moment in history when “We the People” becomes more inclusive, and our freedom more perfect.“
I wonder if we have arrived at a more perfect appreciation for love in this Commonwealth where I reside. I suppose the answer to this question will come by the time the deadline for appealing this decision has passed.