NBC 4: GOP candidate for Virginia governor wrote anti-same-sex marriage note on bill
VIRGINIA – Today, on the 10th Anniversary of Obergefell v. Hodges, the U.S. Supreme Court decision protecting same-sex marriage, elected leaders and Virginians called out Winsome Earle-Sears’ as she threatens same-sex marriage. 

“Marriage equality is fundamental,” said Charlottesville Clerk of Court Llezelle Dugger who issued the first marriage license when same-sex marriage became legal in Virginia. “The overwhelming majority of Virginians support same-sex marriage. Winsome Earle-Sears wants to take that away.”

“While the overwhelming majority of Virginians support same-sex marriage, Winsome Earle-Sears wants to roll back this fundamental right. In her own words, she is “morally opposed” to same-sex marriage and is a threat to  it,” said Senator Adam Ebbin. 

“When you look at Winsome Earle-Sears’ record, it’s crystal clear that she won’t protect marriage equality – if she has the chance, she’ll roll back our fundamental rights,” said Delegate Rozia Henson. “Virginians deserve a leader who represents their values and will listen to and fight for what the Commonwealth wants and needs. Winsome Earle-Sears won’t do that.”  

Here’s what to know about Sears’ extreme record: 

• Sears left a handwritten note on a bill protecting marriage equality that she is “morally opposed” to the legislation.

  • It’s highly unusual for a Lt. Governor to leave a note while signing a bill.

• During an interview with Richmond's 8 News, Sears doubled down on her opposition to marriage equality and refused to say that she would support anything other than civil unions for same-sex couples
• Sears said she supported same-sex civil unions but dodged questions about whether she would support a ban on same-sex marriage in Virginia.
• Sears has sidestepped questions about whether she would support banning gay marriage in Virginia, saying in 2022.

  • “I’ve been on the record as saying that, when it comes to civil unions, I’m all for that.”

• Sears has touted multiple anti-LGBTQ and anti-abortion endorsers who have equated homosexuality to being a pedophile  and said LGBTQ people have “confused minds.” 
• Sears wrote an op-ed saying that “society has gone immeasurably beyond almost all standards in accommodating the homosexual community over the last couple of decades” and called for a constitutional amendment “preserving the institution of marriage to be between a man and a woman.”
• Sears gave the 2025 Commencement Speech at Regent University, a Christian college that describes “homosexual conduct” as “indecent” and “Obscene.”

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