Yesterday, the Virginia state government codified second-class citizen status for the hundreds of thousands of gay and lesbian Virginians,” said Dyana Mason, Executive Director of Equality Virginia.
HB 751 not only prohibits the state from recognizing civil unions (which it already didn’t do), but strips private contractual rights between same-sex couples by outlawing any “partnership contract or other arrangements that purport to provide the benefits of marriage.”
Once this bill is enacted, it will likely deprive gay and lesbian Virginians of some of the few choices that they currently have to protect their families including:
Advanced Medical Directives (also known as Power of Attorney)
Health Insurance coverage through those companies in Virginia currently able to offer benefits to unmarried partners
Estate planning and wills
So ... what does this mean to straight Virginia and elsewhere?
Small and medium-sized companies, based in Virginia, are forbidden from offering domestic partnership health benefits (this includes benefits for the children of spouses). The pool for creative talent will be reduced. If you have a gay child or other family member living in Virginia - he or she will be impacted by this
What this means to me ...
BostonGirl's mother (who hates me) can take our house, that is in BG's name, away from me. When she purchased it 6 years ago, long before I entered the picture, BG was forbidden by the state of Virginia to have another non-blood/non-family woman on the title.
We now have to spend a thousand dollars to rework our legal documents to remove any hint of our relationship ... and pretend we are not what we are. If we ever want to adopt a child ... we have to move to another state.
THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. Do you know what your elected officials are doing in your name? Please be informed, active, involved.
Full Version: Virginia Invalidates Contracts Between Gays
GJ, I am very saddened to read this...and the fact that BG's mom hates you makes it even worse. That isn't fair and I feel so sad for you and BG. Hugs for both of you!
Thanks, bobby. Instead of gettin all dramatic and takin to my bedchamber with a case of the vapors, though, BG and I are being proactive. Rather than fritter my time away any more with band, we've increased our involvement with Equality Fairfax, a grassroots organization.
No matter where any of you live, the battle for equality will be won (or lost) in the neighborhoods and in the suburbs. Let what's happening in Virginia be a lesson to everyone. Don't think that your rights are safe. Get involved. Be aware.
And follow CPT Doom's lead. Don't spend $$ in Virginia if you can avoid it.
No matter where any of you live, the battle for equality will be won (or lost) in the neighborhoods and in the suburbs. Let what's happening in Virginia be a lesson to everyone. Don't think that your rights are safe. Get involved. Be aware.
And follow CPT Doom's lead. Don't spend $$ in Virginia if you can avoid it.
What is the status of the law? Has it been passed by the legislative bodies of the State of Virginia and signed by the Governor? Are there organizations in Virginia that will challenge the law in court? This sounds like something that Lamda Legal and HRC must be aware of and would be working to disrupt through the courts, and hooray for them.
I feel for you and your partner. This truly sucks, but I also feel that whatever setbacks occur now, the enemies of our rights as citizens of both the state we live in and the United States are waging a losing battle, and in their heart of hearts they know this. They are the ones on the losing side of history.
I feel for you and your partner. This truly sucks, but I also feel that whatever setbacks occur now, the enemies of our rights as citizens of both the state we live in and the United States are waging a losing battle, and in their heart of hearts they know this. They are the ones on the losing side of history.
Sorry to hear about that GJ, man, I thought I lived in a f*cked up state.
How freakin' outrageously homophobic is that?! There's no other word for it! Oh, unconstitutional would be another word for it, but any judge who declares it so will be labeled an "activist".
QUOTE
RazorbackTX:
Sorry to hear about that GJ, man, I thought I lived in a f*cked up state.
Face it, it's becoming more and more obvious that we live in a f*cked up country!
Sorry to hear about that GJ, man, I thought I lived in a f*cked up state.
QUOTE
BitOTerrific:
What is the status of the law? Has it been passed by the legislative bodies of the State of Virginia and signed by the Governor? Are there organizations in Virginia that will challenge the law in court? This sounds like something that Lamda Legal and HRC must be aware of and would be working to disrupt through the courts, and hooray for them.
The governor (a democrat) made amendments to the law before signing it. He made adjustment by taking out several things the Republican controlled House and Senate include when writing the bill. In doing so the two chambers reconvened to vote against his changes, where two-thirds of each house agreed they disagreed with the governor. The bill went back to the original verbage. See here
What is the status of the law? Has it been passed by the legislative bodies of the State of Virginia and signed by the Governor? Are there organizations in Virginia that will challenge the law in court? This sounds like something that Lamda Legal and HRC must be aware of and would be working to disrupt through the courts, and hooray for them.
QUOTE
GatorJamie
And follow CPT Doom's lead. Don't spend $$ in Virginia if you can avoid it.
I'm sad and angered beyond words to hear about this bill....most of us know that Virginia is one of the most "conservative" states in the country but, as you accurately stated GJ, THIS IS SIMPLY NOT ACCEPTABLE! :mad: And follow CPT Doom's lead. Don't spend $$ in Virginia if you can avoid it.
As much time as I spend visiting family members and friends in NoVa I will DEFINITELY keep these bigots in mind and spend my money elsewhere whenever possible....hopefully some of the fair-minded business owners and corporate execs that currently operate in Virginia will move their offices and businesses to MD, DC, NC or virtually any other state in order to continue to provide their employees the benefits they deserve....hitting the state and these homophobic lesislators where it counts most (IN THEIR WALLET) is the only way that I see that change will arise and these deplorable actions will come to an end.
[ April 22, 2004, 07:16 AM: Message edited by: gamecock ]
Jason Cottrell, thanks for the link to the article. I'm pleased to see that Gov. Warner finds the civil-union/same-sex contract legislation 'unconstitutional.' I hope the courts in Virginia feel the same way. I guess what I was wondering was are the gay and lesbian activist groups in Virginia pursuing the overturning of this legislation in the state? I live in Texas, read the Dallas Morning News on a regular basis and never saw anything regarding this legislation. Our paper usually picks up on these items, even if they occur outside the Southwest, so this caught me by surprise, especially the invalidating of contracts.
[ April 22, 2004, 07:44 AM: Message edited by: BitOTerrific ]
[ April 22, 2004, 07:44 AM: Message edited by: BitOTerrific ]
Jason,
Thank you for providing the legislative detail. Sorry that you have to live in the capital of the Commonwealth of Genteel Fascism.
Do you have any ideas on where we go from here? Feel free to PM me if you don't want to post.
Thank you for providing the legislative detail. Sorry that you have to live in the capital of the Commonwealth of Genteel Fascism.
Do you have any ideas on where we go from here? Feel free to PM me if you don't want to post.
posted by GatorJamie:
HOWEVER, this is COMPLETELY unconstitutional. The whole point about DOMA is that the courts have never required any state to accept the marriages of another state. But states are required, in the Constitution, to recognize the contracts and court proceedings of other states. Therefore a valid healthcare power of attorney from another state HAS to be valid in Virginia.
That probably still means VA residents are screwed because the law will prevent the very types of contracts that GJ lists. Absolutely incredible!
QUOTE
Once this bill is enacted, it will likely deprive gay and lesbian Virginians of some of the few choices that they currently have to protect their families including:
Advanced Medical Directives (also known as Power of Attorney)
Health Insurance coverage through those companies in Virginia currently able to offer benefits to unmarried partners
Estate planning and wills
First - this SUCKS!!!! Second, thanks to GJ for the props - I have long held that if I am not good enough for VA, neither is my money.Advanced Medical Directives (also known as Power of Attorney)
Health Insurance coverage through those companies in Virginia currently able to offer benefits to unmarried partners
Estate planning and wills
HOWEVER, this is COMPLETELY unconstitutional. The whole point about DOMA is that the courts have never required any state to accept the marriages of another state. But states are required, in the Constitution, to recognize the contracts and court proceedings of other states. Therefore a valid healthcare power of attorney from another state HAS to be valid in Virginia.
That probably still means VA residents are screwed because the law will prevent the very types of contracts that GJ lists. Absolutely incredible!
FYI: Governor Warner is supposedly on the shortlist for Kerry.
GJ: I actually just received some information on the Virginia Partisans I support and hope to get involved with them soon as well as HRC and Equality Virginia.
Being in Higher Education, I also know that most college students are socially liberal, even though they may be conservative in other regards. That said, find ways to get them to go out and vote! I have many of my students actively registering others up to vote. Go to your registrar's office and find out about doing voter registration drives and participating with them on a volunteer basis. Hit up your local community college (I know there is one in your area, 1 college of 23 in the state with over 50 campuses total) or other schools or speak to the league of women voters about helping them out.
I have some more information at home I will try to pull together.
GJ: I actually just received some information on the Virginia Partisans I support and hope to get involved with them soon as well as HRC and Equality Virginia.
Being in Higher Education, I also know that most college students are socially liberal, even though they may be conservative in other regards. That said, find ways to get them to go out and vote! I have many of my students actively registering others up to vote. Go to your registrar's office and find out about doing voter registration drives and participating with them on a volunteer basis. Hit up your local community college (I know there is one in your area, 1 college of 23 in the state with over 50 campuses total) or other schools or speak to the league of women voters about helping them out.
I have some more information at home I will try to pull together.
QUOTE
Jason Cottrell:
FYI: Governor Warner is supposedly on the shortlist for Kerry.
GJ: I actually just received some information on the Virginia Partisans I support and hope to get involved with them soon as well as HRC and Equality Virginia.
Being in Higher Education, I also know that most college students are socially liberal, even though they may be conservative in other regards. That said, find ways to get them to go out and vote! I have many of my students actively registering others up to vote. Go to your registrar's office and find out about doing voter registration drives and participating with them on a volunteer basis. Hit up your local community college (I know there is one in your area, 1 college of 23 in the state with over 50 campuses total) or other schools or speak to the league of women voters about helping them out. I have some more information at home I will try to pull together.
PS... Virginia is for "most" lovers!
FYI: Governor Warner is supposedly on the shortlist for Kerry.
GJ: I actually just received some information on the Virginia Partisans I support and hope to get involved with them soon as well as HRC and Equality Virginia.
Being in Higher Education, I also know that most college students are socially liberal, even though they may be conservative in other regards. That said, find ways to get them to go out and vote! I have many of my students actively registering others up to vote. Go to your registrar's office and find out about doing voter registration drives and participating with them on a volunteer basis. Hit up your local community college (I know there is one in your area, 1 college of 23 in the state with over 50 campuses total) or other schools or speak to the league of women voters about helping them out.
I have some more information at home I will try to pull together.
How ironic that Virginia pulls this shit while courting a Canadian baseball team.
First Virginia, and now Michigan.
What in hell is happening to your country?
It should prove interesting for the Super Republicans like MIB and PhillyFan to defend them.
I'm breathless with anticipation at their answers.
It also makes me even more glad to be Canadian.
What in hell is happening to your country?
It should prove interesting for the Super Republicans like MIB and PhillyFan to defend them.
I'm breathless with anticipation at their answers.
It also makes me even more glad to be Canadian.
QUOTE
Lksimcoe:
It also makes me even more glad to be Canadian.
My partner and I are waiting for the opportunity to move there. If "W" is selected again, We will be up there in the fall.
It also makes me even more glad to be Canadian.
Wait, what happened in Michigan? I thought Ohio was on the fast track to follow Virginia.
All of this hatefulness will come back to haunt these Taliban-minded right-wing sh*theads, though.
As Doris Duke (and millions before her) said, what goes around comes around and payback is a b*tch!
All of this hatefulness will come back to haunt these Taliban-minded right-wing sh*theads, though.
As Doris Duke (and millions before her) said, what goes around comes around and payback is a b*tch!
QUOTE
GatorJamie
HB 751 not only prohibits the state from recognizing civil unions (which it already didn’t do), but strips private contractual rights between same-sex couples....
THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. Do you know what your elected officials are doing in your name? Please be informed, active, involved.
The sponsor of the bill/law is Delegate Robert G. Marshall, long regarded as a toad. HB 751 not only prohibits the state from recognizing civil unions (which it already didn’t do), but strips private contractual rights between same-sex couples....
THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. Do you know what your elected officials are doing in your name? Please be informed, active, involved.
Marshall's website
In his biographical information, he provides his race and misspells his birthplace.
QUOTE
Birth Date: Tacoma Park, MD, May 3, 1944
Gender: M
Race: Caucasian
Religion: Catholic
....
Occupation/Profession: Vice President, Communications and Business Development (Shenandoah Electronic Intelligence)
....
He represents Prince William Country, home of the Potomac Cannons, and some of Loudoun County. One of Loudoun County's supervisors is Eugene Delgaudio, who ran against a gay opponent last fall.Gender: M
Race: Caucasian
Religion: Catholic
....
Occupation/Profession: Vice President, Communications and Business Development (Shenandoah Electronic Intelligence)
....
Loudoun Supervisor Invokes Rival's Sexual Orientation
QUOTE
By Michael Laris
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, October 31, 2003; Page B06
Loudoun County Supervisor Eugene A. Delgaudio, the executive director of an anti-gay lobbying group, has sent a series of campaign letters implying that his openly gay opponent is dangerous.
....
and, from a year ago, this about Delgaudio's brother:Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, October 31, 2003; Page B06
Loudoun County Supervisor Eugene A. Delgaudio, the executive director of an anti-gay lobbying group, has sent a series of campaign letters implying that his openly gay opponent is dangerous.
....
GOP Activist Admits to Child Porn
QUOTE
GOP Activist Admits to Child Porn
N.Va. Fundraiser Gets Probation in Case in Baltimore
By Michael Laris
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, April 24, 2003; Page B02
Republican activist Richard A. Delgaudio, a longtime Northern Virginia-based fundraiser for conservative causes and personalities, was sentenced to two years' probation yesterday after pleading guilty to a child pornography charge.
....
Delgaudio also is listed as chairman and director of the United States Intelligence Council and president of National Security Center Inc.
....
Delgaudio's brother, Eugene, who runs an anti-gay lobbying group called Public Advocate and is a Loudoun County supervisor, said he did not know of Richard Delgaudio's legal troubles. \"It doesn't sound like him,\" he said.\"
(Isn't it odd that both Marshall and Delgaudio's brother both work in the \"intelligence\" industry? I wonder what business connection they have.)N.Va. Fundraiser Gets Probation in Case in Baltimore
By Michael Laris
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, April 24, 2003; Page B02
Republican activist Richard A. Delgaudio, a longtime Northern Virginia-based fundraiser for conservative causes and personalities, was sentenced to two years' probation yesterday after pleading guilty to a child pornography charge.
....
Delgaudio also is listed as chairman and director of the United States Intelligence Council and president of National Security Center Inc.
....
Delgaudio's brother, Eugene, who runs an anti-gay lobbying group called Public Advocate and is a Loudoun County supervisor, said he did not know of Richard Delgaudio's legal troubles. \"It doesn't sound like him,\" he said.\"
From Outsports:
Loudoun Supervisor Invokes Rival's Sexual Orientation
Let's Bash Delgaudio
But getting back to the topic:
Email: Del_Marshall@house.state.va.us
HB 751 Marriage; affirmation.
QUOTE
Summary as passed:
Affirmation of Marriage Act for the Commonwealth of Virginia. States that a civil union, partnership contract or other arrangement between persons of the same sex purporting to bestow the privileges or obligations of marriage is prohibited and that such an arrangement entered into in another state or jurisdiction is void in Virginia and any contractual rights created thereby are void and unenforceable.
Assembly Rebuffs Warner AmendmentsAffirmation of Marriage Act for the Commonwealth of Virginia. States that a civil union, partnership contract or other arrangement between persons of the same sex purporting to bestow the privileges or obligations of marriage is prohibited and that such an arrangement entered into in another state or jurisdiction is void in Virginia and any contractual rights created thereby are void and unenforceable.
QUOTE
Assembly Rebuffs Warner Amendments
Critics Decry Governor's Compromises; Supporters Applaud Tactics of Centrist Businessman
By Michael D. Shear and Chris L. Jenkins
Washington Post Staff Writers
Thursday, April 22, 2004; Page B01
RICHMOND, April 21 -- Virginia's Republican-controlled General Assembly on Wednesday rejected attempts by Democratic Gov. Mark R. Warner to mold legislation to his liking, turning back some of his amendments to bills on civil unions, fetal murder and felony appeals.
....
The ultimate irony is that the Virginia legislature's one and only obligation is to produce a balanced budget. Everything else is optional. Well, this year the legislature has spent so much time saving us from the dangers of gay marriage that it has not produced a balanced budget. This failure to act is putting the Commonwealth's AAA bond rating in jeopardy. Critics Decry Governor's Compromises; Supporters Applaud Tactics of Centrist Businessman
By Michael D. Shear and Chris L. Jenkins
Washington Post Staff Writers
Thursday, April 22, 2004; Page B01
RICHMOND, April 21 -- Virginia's Republican-controlled General Assembly on Wednesday rejected attempts by Democratic Gov. Mark R. Warner to mold legislation to his liking, turning back some of his amendments to bills on civil unions, fetal murder and felony appeals.
....
Fitch, Moody's, and Standard and Poor's, the big three bond rating agencies, don't give a rat's ass about social issues. If they downgrade Virginia's terrific bond rating, which the Commonwealth has jealously guarded for years and years, the higher intersest rates that result will cost Virgina's taxpayers dearly.
Disclaimer: my mom has money in some Virginia municipal bond funds. Lower bond ratings mean higher interest payments for her, though the NAV of the shares will be affected too.
[ April 22, 2004, 03:02 PM: Message edited by: twin58 ]
QUOTE
fantomas
Wait, what happened in Michigan?
Michigan Preparing To Let Doctors Refuse To Treat GaysWait, what happened in Michigan?
QUOTE
04.22.04
(Lansing, Michigan) Doctors or other health care providers could not be disciplined or sued if they refuse to treat gay patients under legislation passed Wednesday by the Michigan House.
The bill allows health care workers to refuse service to anyone on moral, ethical or religious grounds.
The Republican dominated House passed the measure as dozens of Catholics looked on from the gallery. The Michigan Catholic Conference, which pushed for the bills, hosted a legislative day for Catholics on Wednesday at the state Capitol.
....
For example, they said an emergency medical technicians could refuse to answer a call from the residence of gay couple because they don't approve of homosexuality.
....
I believe it also means that pharmacists could refuse to fill a prescription for birth control pills.(Lansing, Michigan) Doctors or other health care providers could not be disciplined or sued if they refuse to treat gay patients under legislation passed Wednesday by the Michigan House.
The bill allows health care workers to refuse service to anyone on moral, ethical or religious grounds.
The Republican dominated House passed the measure as dozens of Catholics looked on from the gallery. The Michigan Catholic Conference, which pushed for the bills, hosted a legislative day for Catholics on Wednesday at the state Capitol.
....
For example, they said an emergency medical technicians could refuse to answer a call from the residence of gay couple because they don't approve of homosexuality.
....
I guess you can just toss that ol' Hippocratic Oath in the trash on the way out the door. Won't be needing that anymore.
Edited to add:
Whoops, already another thread going on that.
http://66.241.240.127/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.c...c;f=18;t=001776
[ April 22, 2004, 03:10 PM: Message edited by: twin58 ]
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