Virginia Considers Anti-Gay Plates

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-24-2003
Virginia Considers Anti-Gay Plates
28
Tue, 01-04-2005 - 6:22pm

http://www.365gay.com/newscon05/01/010405vaLicense.htm

(Richmond, Virginia) Virginia lawmakers will consider legislation to amend the state constitution to ban same-sex marriage in the new session of the legislature.

The state is one of what is expected to be up to a dozen states to take up the issue following voter approval in 11states last November of similar amendments.

But, the legislature will also look at a measure that would put the marriage issue on license plates. The bill calls for traditional marriage to be displayed on car licenses. If passed the plates would have interlocking gold wedding bands superimposed over a red heart over the legend "Traditional Marriage."

The bill was authored by Delegate Scott Limgamfelter (R-Prince William) a supporter of the marriage amendment.

To amend Virginia's Constitution, the measure would have to be enacted in two successive legislative sessions and put to a statewide vote by November 2006.

Some Democrats call the amendment repressive and unnecessary. Virginia already has legislation that prevents recognition of same-sex couples.

The law, passed last year (story), prevents the state from recognizing gay marriages, civil unions, and domestic partnerships and block any "contract or other arrangement" same-sex couples may enter into.

Democratic Del. Mitchell Van Yahres has filed a bill that would repeal the law, but most observers say it has little chance of passing. Most delegates have indicated they will vote for the amendment.


iVillage Member
Registered: 12-16-2003
Thu, 01-06-2005 - 1:39pm
The sticker is no more anti-Christian that the "Unitarian Flame" also on my bumper.

Kim
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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Thu, 01-06-2005 - 2:09pm

>>Some Democrats call the amendment repressive and unnecessary. Virginia already has legislation that prevents recognition of same-sex couples.<<

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How ironic. :-&

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Thu, 01-06-2005 - 2:20pm
I think you and Courtney are brave activist. *smile*
Kissing in public in the "bible belt".
Bravo for not letting narrow minded behavior from limiting you to doing what comes naturally for you both but do be careful. Those car's doors could be expensive to repair.
;-)
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Thu, 01-06-2005 - 2:22pm
How many stickers do you have on your car?
All I can picture is this VW bus with loads of stickers sticked to its body and a big flower on its hood! *L*
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Thu, 01-06-2005 - 2:26pm
Makes me wonder if ACLU should held a siminar for the estate planners from the state of VA. It's interesting to think this estate planner thinks an ACT that was passed has no legal ground.
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-16-2003
Thu, 01-06-2005 - 2:51pm

I peeled a bunch of stickers off my Jeep Cherokee after the election, and I am slowly replacing them with new ones.

Kim
Check out my

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-16-2004
Thu, 01-06-2005 - 5:50pm
I don't know where in Virginia you all live, but I live in Virginia Beach.

mom to 4 kids and in love with the most awesome and beautiful woman in the world!

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-29-2004
Thu, 01-06-2005 - 7:17pm

You are so right!
"Makes me wonder if ACLU should held a siminar for the estate planners from the state of VA."

That's exactly what I was thinking in the seminar. Just so wierd that everyone was being so friendly towards me after the break. I think the world is ready to move forward, ie the general public. I just think that people don't see this as a real threat to the community. Everyone has friends or relatives that are gay, and we are seeing the very beginning of a dramatic change towards gay's and lesbians. I'm just worried that if we take it lightly as well, that eventually, Bush and the Anti-gay Christian movement (KKK's) will get their way.

My children's friends and school have no problem with my sexuality. In fact they think it's cool. Funny story...My son fell in love with a Bi-sexual girl in school, who just happens to be in love with another girl right now. At the high school orientation, my son was standing in a line handing out gay allience brochures to all the parents. It takes a true man to stand there amid his friends to pull that off. In my day he would have been shunted by his friends, ridiculed and labeled. No one cared. He loves her so much to stand there and support her effort. It breaks my heart that it had to be a lesbian that he fell for. I have encouraged him to consider other girls, and he's so like me....He can't even bring himself to consider it. Some day a girl will turn his head, and that will be one lucky woman.

halo

hugs

halo

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-15-2004
Thu, 01-06-2005 - 11:38pm
I was just using an anti-christian sticker as an example. I didn't mean to suggest that the boycott Virginia sticker was anti-christian.
My point was, when people fight for rights they get hurt, I just wish I didn't have to know, and be friends with, anyone involved. I'm a puss, a chicken, I would keep my relationship behind closed doors for the rest of my life to avoid harm to Jen or my daughter. Thank God there are people like you willing to do it.
Jen and I discussed this over dinner and before you get mad at me please keep reading.
Jen thought if a large company supported "us" (the gay community)more people would see our point of view. I explained Disney's acceptance and involvement with the gay community and that although it helps, it's still not enough. Most people laugh at me and don't believe me when I tell them Disney has gay day and gay cruises where unions are common. They don't want to, Disney is for kids, it's wholesome. being gay is seen as dirty, wrong, pornographic. Disney is huge, they support us, and it's not working. Jen feels if people displayed gay pride and gay acceptance then more would admit they don't have a problem with it. She may be right, their may be people afraid to admit they support us. The whole thing is so hard. I feel so weak and defeated even thinking about becoming an activist. BUT, I do not think it's ok for me to reap the benefits that someone else fights for. So, I'm in.
Jen and I are willing to do whatever it takes to get our voices heard and demand equal rights. I pray to God that my daughter never suffers for it. I'm still chicken, but I can't send my friends in to battle alone.
Hugs, Sandra

Sandr

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-16-2003
Fri, 01-07-2005 - 10:31am

I think the best activism is being open about being ourselves.

Kim
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