UPDATE: Some emailers have noted Judge Wright Allen may have been referring to Section One of the Constitution of Virginia which states “all men are by nature equally free and independent and have certain inherent rights.”
We have called the court to get a clarification.
RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) – In the “Opinion and Order” section of U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen’s ruling on Virginia’s amendment that defines marriage as between a man and a woman, she quotes a famous American document.
“Our Constitution declares that ‘all men’ are created equal,” Judge Allen wrote in her opinion that could lead to the legalization of same-sex marriage in Virginia.
But does the Constitution declare that?
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
That’s the Preamble that many Virginia students are required to memorize in grade school. But nowhere in the Preamble does it say “all men are created equal.” Nor were we able to find the phrase in any Constitutional amendment (if you find it, click here to let us know and we’ll update this post).
The historic and oft quoted line IS actually found in the Declaration of Independence.
I’m sure Virginia-born Thomas Jefferson would appreciate the credit where the credit is due.
