The chair of the LGBT Democrats of Virginia, an official caucus of the Democratic Party of Virginia, issued a statement Monday that the caucus’ board is unanimous in its opposition to the nomination of Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones as the state party’s new chair. Maggie Sacra said the position was taken because of Jones “consistent refusal over the years to endorse marriage equality.”

“We now have a president, a vice-president and a U.S. attorney general who stand on the right side of history, on the side of equality. The Democratic Party of Virginia must not consider retreating on this issue,” Sacra said in a statement today. The LGBT Democrats caucus is now circulating a petition within the party to widen the support for its stand.