Same-sex couples may be able to get married in Virginia as early as tomorrow, with Virginia officials even drafting a new marriage license form to be used as soon as the courthouse opens, according to The Associated Press.
Unless the U.S. Supreme Courts objects, same-sex marriages will be legal beginning 8 a.m. Thursday after the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals repealed Virginia's same-sex marriage ban, according to AP. The ban comes after Virginia voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2006 banning gay marriage and prohibiting the recognition of same-sex marriages performed in other states, as reported by ABC 13.
Acknowledging same-sex marriages from other states will also be mandated in Virginia if the Supreme Court doesn't object, ABC 13 reported.
And with the possibly getting closer, officials have began to change the marriage licnese forms. But how will they be different?
In an email to AP, Michael Kelly, a spokesman for the Virginia Attorney General's Office, said the new marriage license forms "would reflect the constitutional right of same-sex couples to legally marry in Virginia by asking for the name and gender of each spouse, whereas before, the form required a bride and groom because that was all the Commonwealth could legally recognize."
The color of the marriage certificate is also changing from pink and blue to a neutral color, according to the Richmond Times Dispatch.
The repeal came after Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring asked the Supreme Court to stay a court ruling that would end the state's ban on same sex marriage, according to ABC 13.
"Throughout the process we have fought for equality while also recognizing the need for an orderly process," Herring said. "I've worked to move the case along quickly and asked the Supreme Court to take this extraordinary step because I don't want this discriminatory ban to stay in place one day longer than necessary."
However, same-sex marriage isn't guaranteed to start tomorrow. AP reported Chief Justice John Roberts or the full court can request a delay. And the court has already approved two delays in similar cases in the past.
Herring says a ruling against same-sex marriage could be detrimental, according to ABC 13.
"...a stay is warranted in light of the negative impact on Virginia children, families, and businesses if the Supreme Court eventually rules against marriage equality and forces an unwinding of Virginians' marriages, adoptions, inheritances, or workplace benefits," Herring said.
Still, clerks are still preparing for an abundance of marriage license applications while they wait for a decision, AP reported. Northern Virginia's Arlington circuit court has established an "overflow room," while deputy clerks in Richmond will be brought in to help that city's marriage-license desk."
"We have been getting prepared and I think we're just about ready," interim Clerk Edward F. Jewett told the Richmond Times Dispatch.
It is a good thing clerks are preparing. AP cited a study this year that found anywhere from 5,487 to 7,122 same-sex Virginia couples would get married within three years if the law changed, according to the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law.
New marriage certificates aren't the only gesture being done to assist same-sex marriages. Religious clergy networks are planning to spread across the state's courthouses to hold wedding ceremonies on the spot, according to AP.
"We expect that there's going to be large numbers initially, and I think it'll be very advantageous to have enough people there to do this in a timely fashion instead of people having to wait hours. ... They've waited long enough," said the Rev. Jim Whalen of New Life Metropolitan Community Church in Norfolk.
Likewise, the Rev. Linda Olson Peebles of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, agrees.
"It's been a long journey. We're letting everybody know we're going to be ready to join in Virginia moving forward, letting go of its sad history and moving forward." Peebles said.
Monday's 5 p.m. deadline set by Chief Justice John G. Roberts for parties to respond to the appeal has come and gone with no action from the Supreme Court, according to the Richmond Times Dispatch. It is unknown if they will take action today or tomorrow.
