Libertarian candidates applauded the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision to strike down a Virginia law banning same-sex marriage, a law similar to a state constitutional amendment passed by North Carolina voters in 2012. 

Wesley Casteen, Libertarian candidate for the 7th Congressional District, said the court decision this week was foreseeable years ago. 

"I share the belief with our courts that government should not have a voice about who we love and marry," said Casteen, a Wilmington lawyer. "That decision is among the fundamental and basic liberties we enjoy as individuals and government should not interfere." 

Casteen said he's the only Congressional candidate with the courage to lead on the issues of marriage equality, privacy, and individual liberties. He explained his perspective on marriage equality in a book, Musings of a Southern Lawyer. The legal and political arguments he makes are echoed by numerous federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, and this week, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court. 

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Thom Tillis, criticized the N.C. attorney general's decision not to challenge the ruling in a Tweet. Tillis said, "Too many politicians ignore the will of the people, and it is clear that the Attorney General did just that today." 

Sean Haugh, the Libertarian candidate, quickly replied, "Too many politicians ignore the Constitution, and it is clear that Thom Tillis does that every day." 

Haugh has produced a YouTube video on the marriage issue. 

In March 2012, during the amendment, Tillis said he thought public sentiment would force its repeal within 20 years, even though he supported it.