Virginia should not call in vain! - Maryland's state song notwithstanding, the modern-day contrast with the Old Dominion couldn't be starker. Exhibit one: As of today, Maryland is the latest state to face an ACLU lawsuit for recognition of gay marriage, according to late-breaking reports. It was chosen as a promising legal battleground because the Free State is one of only 11 with no Defense of Marriage Act ("DOMA"), and it's one of just 14 states with a law prohibiting employment discrimination against gays.

Note also how much more organized gay politics seems to be in Maryland compared with Virginia, where groups have yet to file their own legal challenge to anti-gay local laws that are far more damaging. Under the circumstances, no one should take lightly the threat of Virginia homos, especially those in the DC metro area, to leave the state for more friendly surrroundings. After all, they are only a river away.

UPDATE: Thursday's WaPo expands the story with a Metro section front-pager. The Moonies also chime in, complete with scare quotes around the word "marriage." Here's the report from the Bawlmore Sun.