Kaine doesn't sign marriage amendment bill, encourages Virginians to vote NO

By: Corey
Published On: 4/10/2006 3:13:25 PM

From the Governor's press release:

SB 526 places the proposed constitutional amendment regarding marriage, adopted by consecutive sessions of the General Assembly, on this November+óGé¼Gäós ballot.  The Governor does not have the authority to veto or amend the language of the marriage amendment itself; this measure simply places it on the ballot.

The Governor will allow this bill to take effect without his signature.

+óGé¼+ôI believe that marriage is between one man and one woman, and current Virginia law makes that abundantly clear,+óGé¼-¥ Governor Kaine said. +óGé¼+ôBut I am concerned that the broad wording of the proposed constitutional amendment goes much further than that, threatening the constitutional rights of individuals to enter into private contracts, and also threatening the discretion of employers to extend certain benefits, such as health care coverage, to unmarried couples.+óGé¼-¥

+óGé¼+ôFor those reasons, I will vote against the marriage amendment in November, and I urge other Virginians to vote against it as well,+óGé¼-¥ Governor Kaine said. 



Comments



Good for him... (John K. (John) - 4/10/2006 6:01:10 PM)
A bit of a superficial move (not that he can really DO anything at this point), and a bit more nuanced position than I'd like, but glad he's asking Virginian's not to support this worthless peice of crap legislation.

We defeat this in November, and start momentum in Virginia towards, you know, civil rights for all...



abuse (sharon f - 4/10/2006 10:03:39 PM)
Similar legislation in Ohio has made it harder for women to prosecute and get orders of protection against abusive boyfriends. It is my hope that people take time to read the text on the ballot, and realize that even if they are not gay nor know any gay people, it will cause negative affects for thousands in VA of all sexual orientations.