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| Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine announced this week he does not support a state constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage, but he still opposes gay marriage and civil unions. (Photo by Sam Dean/AP) |
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Commonwealth Coalition
421 E. Franklin, Ste 310
Richmond, VA 23210
804-643-2050
www.votenova.org
Family Foundation
P.O. Box 921
Richmond, VA 23218
804-343-0010
www.va4marriage.org
pan>"That only a union between one man and one woman may be a marriage valid in or recognized by the commonwealth and its political subdivisions. This commonwealth and its political subdivisions shall not create or recognize a legal status for relationships of unmarried individuals that intends to approximate the design, qualities, significance, or effects of marriage. Nor shall this commonwealth or its political subdivisions create or recognize another union, partnership, or other legal status to which is assigned the rights, benefits, obligations, qualities or effects of marriage."
10 reasons to vote ‘no’ The Commonwealth Coalition, a statewide campaign dedicated to defeating the proposed Virginia constitutional amendment, is promoting 10 reasons to vote no on a gay marriage ban:
1. You believe that the language of the proposed constitutional amendment goes too far in denying legal recognition to all unmarried relationships and not just same-sex relationships.
2. You are concerned that the amendment will be read by the courts to bar enforcement of domestic violence laws against unmarried partners.
3. You are concerned that the amendment will be used by opposing factions in families seeking to deny unmarried partners of loved ones the right to hospital visitation, to decide about organ donation or burial or to determine guardianship of children or property rights.
4. You are a business person or business owner who is concerned that your business will be sued for offering domestic partner benefits or health insurance to someone other than immediate family members or that you will not be able to attract and retain the best employees because you will not be able to match benefits available elsewhere.
5. You believe that civil marriage, as a government benefit, should be available to all without discrimination.
6. You are a religious leader or member of a faith community concerned that the amendment will prohibit you from celebrating marriages or unions consistent with your faith.
7. You are in an unmarried relationship, and you are concerned that the amendment may deny you access to the courts to enforce legal agreements regarding child custody, property and other arrangements essential to provide stability for your relationship and your family.
8. You believe that it is unnecessary to amend the constitution because Virginia statutes have prohibited same-sex marriages for 30 years and civil unions and other legal agreements between same-sex couples for the last three years without any legal challenge.
9. You believe that marriage should be limited to one man and one woman, and civil unions, domestic partnerships and other legal agreements between unmarried gay or straight couples should be legal.
10. You support full marriage equality.
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HOME > NEWS > LOCAL
By: JOSHUA LYNSEN COMMENTS
 
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to change, particularly when it comes to the Bill of Rights," she said. "I am encouraged that Virginians, once they understand the implications of this and the potential repercussions, they’ll realize there’s no fire here. There’s no emergency."
And she said anyone who determines the amendment isn’t right for Virginia is welcome to join the Commonwealth Coalition.
"If you’re a ‘No,’ you’re with us," she said. "It doesn’t matter the reason."
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