Virginia Democrat Introduces Bill to Repeal State’s Same-Sex Marriage Ban

Reported by Melanie Nathan, San Francisco, 02/09/10 . A determined Virginia State Delegate, David Englin (D-Alexandria) is again seeking a repeal of the State’s Constitutional amendment, by sponsoring House Joint Resolution 55. (co-sponsored by Delegate L. Kaye Kory, D-Falls Church. )

As it stands, “Virginia will not recognize “a legal status for relationships of unmarried individuals that” intends to approximate the design, qualities, significance, or effects of marriage.” Nor will the state recognize “another union, partnership, or other legal status to which is assigned the rights, benefits, obligations, qualities, or effects of marriage.”

The repeal resolution has been referred to the House Privileges and Elections Committee. The panel has not yet voted on the measure. It is similar to proposals Englin introduces in 2007 and again in 2009. They did not get much attention at that time – however now the field for marriage reform seems wide open.

As one can imagine the Family Foundation of Virginia is opposing it. VP, Chris Frend: “We’re only three years removed from nearly 60 percent of Virginians voting to support the amendment, and we’re two months removed from an election where three of the elected (statewide officials) were advocates for the amendment. I think the overwhelming majority of Virginians have no interest in revisiting this issue.”

This advocate says – a lot can happen in three years Mr. Frend including the fact that you may well have reasonable and intelligent new voters – the ones who are likely to change our future in the big scheme of things, in any event. So get off your bully pulpit and smell fresh times!! From LGR we thank Mr. Englin for his persistence to this equality matter so essential to the lives of so many Americans.