CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) - In a strictly symbolic gesture, Charlottesville City Council members have given preliminary approval to a proposed ordinance that supports extending benefits to the spouses of married city employees - including those in same-sex relationships.
It's symbolic because it's contrary to Virginia state law and the state Constitution.
Two couples from the Shenandoah Valley filed a federal class-action lawsuit challenging Virginia's same-sex marriage ban.
The Daily Progress reports that the council will vote on the ordinance at its first meeting in October.
