With a new administration in Richmond, the state’s ban against same-sex marriage will no longer be defended. The office of Attorney General Mark Herring says he’s concluded that the same-sex marriage ban is unconstitutional, and he will not defend it. Herring spokesman Michael Kelly says the state will instead side with the plaintiffs who have filed a lawsuit. The suit was filed by two women who live in Staunton and two women from Winchester. Herring has filed a court brief supporting the couples. The Republican Party of Virginia resonds by saying the Democrats are the ones focusing on divisive social issues instead of concentrating on jobs. They say Herring should resign if he does not defend the laws of the Commonwealth.