About 40 people gathered at the Alexandria General District Courthouse Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day, to take part in a demonstration calling for the commonwealth of Virginia to allow same-sex couples to legally wed and to recognize those with out-of-state marriages. In addition to holding signs calling for marriage equality, offering prayers, singing and a rousing speech by Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille, the demonstration included attempts by same-sex couples to apply for marriage licenses, knowing such applications would be rejected. The demonstration was just one of 23 held across the state, led by People of Faith for Equality in Virginia (POFEV). Notably, a U.S. District Court judge issued a ruling late Thursday, Feb. 13, finding Virginia’s same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional. The judge issued a stay pending appeal, meaning the ban remains in effect, at least for the time being.