RALEIGH -- A federal appeals court has struck down Virginia's same-sex marriage ban. This has an impact on North Carolina because the 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals, which issued the ruling, also oversees portions of the Tar Heel state. State Democratic Attorney General Roy Cooper said his office has a duty to defend North Carolina's ban, but with this ruling it looks like a losing battle.

Attorney General Cooper said, "Simply put, it's time to stop making arguments we will lose and instead move forward. Knowing that the ultimate resolution will likely come from the United States Supreme Court."

Cooper added this does not directly strike down North Carolina's ban, but that the A-G office expects plaintiffs to request North Carolina's federal courts begin with proceedings.