HR 566 (Substitute Amendment) - To replace AG Mark Herring in VA Same-sex Marriage Case

Author/Sponsor: Proposed by the House Committee on Rules
Date Introduced: 18 September 2014 
Date Enacted: 18 September 2014

Description:

• 18 September 2014, the VA House of Delegates voted to approve a resolution that empowers the speaker of the House to hire outside legal counsel to replace AG Mark Herring in the same-sex marriage lawsuit filed against the state but supported by the AG’s Office. 
• “House Resolution Number 566, which authorizes the Speaker of the House to employ legal counsel to defend Virginia’s unconstitutional and discriminatory ban on marriage for lesbian and gay couples, is yet another example of how out far of touch the majority of Delegates are with ordinary Virginians,” said James Parrish, executive director of Equality Virginia. “At a time when we should be focusing on building an inclusive and welcoming Commonwealth, it’s a shame that these members are wasting valuable legislative time and resources to double down on discrimination."