Judge considers possible second Va. gay marriage decision

HARRISONBURG (AP) — The federal judge overseeing a second lawsuit challenging Virginia’s constitutional ban on gay marriage is wondering whether the suit remains relevant now that a judge in Norfolk has ruled on the matter.

Last Thursday, U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen ruled unconstitutional the voter-approved amendment. She delayed her order while it is appealed.

In Harrisonburg, U.S. District Judge Michael Urbanski wondered at a status hearing Wednesday if he needs to rule on a class-action lawsuit filed on behalf of gay couples in Virginia.

Urbanski noted that the Norfolk appeal to the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond will be one stop on its way to the Supreme Court, according to the Daily News-Record (paywall).

Urbanski said he would review case law and then decide whether to continue with the Harrisonburg action.