Virginia Anti-Sodomy Laws Tossed Out

It took almost a decade since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in its 2003 decision, “Lawrence Vs. Texas,” to invalidate state laws outlawing sexual activity between consenting adults. Virginia this Tuesday followed suit at last with a 2-1 vote by the Richmond-based 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to declare the state’s “Crimes Against Nature” anti-sodomy provision unconstitutional.

The ruling stemmed from the 2005 conviction of William Scott MacDonald, then 47, for contributing to the delinquency of a minor and for the criminal solicitation of a 17-year-old girl, according to a report in this week’s Richmond Times-Mirror. MacDonald’s appeals of his conviction eventually rose to the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals, where the case was joined by the ACLU of Virginia, the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, and University of California, Irvine Law School Dean Erwin Chermerinsky.

The office of Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli said, “We are reviewing the decision and will consider our options.”

 

Recent News

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
On Key

Stories that may interest you

Senator Saddam Salim Richmond Report

U.S. Strikes in Iran: the Urgent Need for Congressional Oversight On June 21st, President Trump abruptly attacked Iranian nuclear facilities with American bombers. The next day, he abruptly announced a

Beyer Floor Remarks Opposing H.R. 1

July 3, 2025 (Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) this morning delivered the following remarks on H.R. 1, aka the One Big Ugly Bill Act, during debate on the measure: “From

A Penny for Your Thoughts 7-3-2025

Growing up in post-World War II America presented few options for young women past high school. College graduates could aspire to be elementary school teachers or nurses but, once married,

Support Local News!

For Information on Advertising:

Legitimate news organizations need grass roots support like never before, and that includes your Falls Church News-Press. For more than 33 years, your News-Press has kept its readers informed and enlightened. We can’t continue without the support of our readers. This means YOU! Please step up in these challenging times to support the news source you are reading right now!