VA GOP LAWMAKERS WANT MARRIAGE AMENDMENT: From the Washington Post

Republicans in the Virginia General Assembly are preparing resolutions requesting an amendment to the state Constitution that would define marriage as a union between a man and a woman, mirroring efforts by states across the nation to further restrict same-sex marriages.

Virginia is already one of 43 states that ban the recognition of same-sex marriages. But proponents of the resolutions say that a constitutional amendment is necessary to protect existing state law from court challenges. They add that Virginia should join the 11 states that passed such amendments on Election Day. The victories have energized social conservatives across the country and are credited by some with helping President Bush win reelection in November.

"The people should be the ultimate authority on issues like this," said Del. Robert G. Marshall (R-Prince William), the sponsor of one of the several constitutional amendment resolutions that will be submitted. A constitutional amendment also "takes it out of the hands of the courts," he said, and "ensures that activist judges can't usurp" state law.

Opponents of the measure in Virginia said a constitutional amendment is unnecessary, particularly after the passage last year of a bill that vastly limits the ability of two people of the same sex to enter into contracts with one other.

That bill, House Bill 751, added a ban against recognition of same-sex civil unions or partnership arrangements to Virginia's "Affirmation of Marriage Act." Gay activists say they are looking to challenge the law on constitutional grounds.

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posted by Eve at 5:27 PM | link

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