At city courthouse, gay couples seek marriage to protest law
PhotoThe Daily Progress/Megan Lovett
Andre A. Hakes (right) rallies members of the gay and lesbian community at the Charlottesville Circuit Court during a demonstration in support of same-sex marriage.
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Brian McNeillPublished: February 13, 2009
Six same-sex couples seeking to wed were turned away Thursday afternoon at the Charlottesville Circuit Court clerk’s office.
“We’re here to fix a problem today,” said Charlottesville lawyer Andre A. Hakes, who organized the protest. “Black, white, yellow or green. Everyone can get married, except for gay people.”
Hakes and her partner of more than a decade, Catherine Gillespie, delivered a big red heart-shaped box of chocolates to Circuit Court Clerk Paul C. Garrett and applied for a marriage license.
“You’re aware of the current statute?” Garrett asked.
“You betcha,” Hakes replied.
“I’m sorry, I’m not able to comply with your request,” Garrett said.
“But thank you for the candy,” he added. “I’ll pass it out to my staff.”
The six couples from the Charlottesville area were among hundreds of gay and lesbian partners who unsuccessfully sought marriage licenses Thursday across the country.
The Valentine’s Day week protest comes in the aftermath of Proposition 8, which overturned gay marriage in California. Virginia voters approved a state constitutional amendment in 2006 that banned same-sex marriage and civil unions.
“Denying these rights to couples is hurtful,” Hakes said. “The people who want to get married here today are normal people. We do our laundry. We pay our taxes. We want to get married.”
Hakes likened Virginia’s laws banning same-sex marriage to the state’s history of denying blacks and whites the ability to wed each other. It was not until 1967 that interracial couples were allowed to marry in Virginia.
Albemarle County residents Nancy and Emily Nolte-Shotwell have been together for nine years and wed in a civil commitment ceremony at Fry’s Spring Beach Club in 2002. On Wednesday, they were among the six couples who sought legal recognition of their relationship.
“This country was founded on the principle of religious freedom,” Emily Nolte-Shotwell said. “I feel like I’m suffering religious persecution.”
Nancy Nolte-Shotwell said the same-sex marriage ban makes her “feel less of a person.”
“I pay taxes. I’m a citizen of Virginia. I’m a citizen of the United States,” she said. “I deserve the same rights as everyone else.”
The six couples were joined by a crowd of 45 supporters, some of whom waved rainbow flags and held up anti-“H8” signs. There were no counter-protesters.
A few of the gay marriage supporters handed out Hershey’s Kisses to court employees and sheriff’s deputies.
“To me, it’s important to remind people that even on Valentine’s Day, Virginia is not for all lovers,” said Albemarle County resident Mary Rodriguez, whose son is gay.
Linda Goodling, also of Albemarle, wore a rainbow scarf to the protest. “It’s important that we value all families,” she said.
Mary Ann Barnes (firm partner) was recognized for supporting the AIDS/HIV Services Group event "Project Charlottesville & Creative Charlottesville Auction" held on May 2, 2009. Mary Ann was able to use her extensive experience in Estate Planning to provide a significant contribution to the auction.
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