Same-sex marriage became legal in Virginia at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, October 6th. By 2:00 p.m., the couple at the center of the lawsuit overturning the state’s ban was in the Norfolk Circuit Court Clerk’s office to get their marriage license.
Plaintiffs in Virginia same-sex marriage case celebrate victory
Tony London and Tim Bostic wasted no time to begin the new chapter they helped carve out in Virginia history.
London and Bostic became the first same-sex couple to receive a marriage license in Norfolk.
They were congratulated by the man they sued to win that right – Circuit Court Clerk George Shaffer.
“Congratulations to both of you. Thank you so much. It was a pleasure suing you,” he joked.
London and Bostic filled out the form, paid the fee, and made it legal.
“It costs $32, but how much is it really worth? You know, you can’t put a price on it. It’s priceless. Not only that, it’s almost surreal that it’s here and it’s happened,” said London.
“See this is the problem. There are no words to describe it. It is so exciting. You can’t imagine. This is the greatest day of my life up until this date. The better day is when I get to marry the man I’ve loved for 25 years,” said Bostic.
The last time London and Bostic left the Norfolk Circuit Court Clerk’s office, they were turned away, denied a marriage license. On Monday they emerged with one, and with their names written in state history.
Tony London and Tim Bostic will celebrate their 25th anniversary next week. They plan to marry next May at Christ and St. Luke’s Church in Norfolk.
“The governor is supposed to be there, if things work out the way they’re supposed to, which is very exciting,” London says. “We want everyone to participate who wants to because this isn’t even for us anymore.”
The well wishes are pouring in all over Facebook and the happiness and joy expressed by the couple is unmistakable.
“I’m so excited. The smile won’t come off my face. Truly the emotion is unbelievable. Every few minutes I start jumping up and down,” London says. “I wish it had gone to court. I wish it had gotten a firm decision across the country, but this is a very positive step in the right direction.”
