As of October 10th, 2014, West Virginia, along with many other states, has become the latest in a mad rush of states to allow gay marriage. The state’s decision came after the nation’s high court declined to pursue the challenges of keeping same-sex marriage bans from states in three federal circuit courts — all which had ruled in favor of gay nuptials. In doing so, the justices allowed same-sex marriage to proceed in those states, plus the six others that are part of those circuit courts, including West Virginia in the 4th circuit.
“By refusing to consider the appeal, the Supreme Court has caused the Appeals Court’s decision to become final and binding on West Virginia,” Attorney General Patrick Morrisey said in a statement. “While we disagree with the Supreme Court’s decision to allow the Fourth Circuit’s opinion to stand and believe it improperly displaces state and local decision-making, we will respect it.”
