Effort to Repeal Virginia Marriage Amendment Killedes

Recognizing the inherent discrimination written into the Virginia Constitution with the passage of the so-called "Marriage Amendment" in 2006, Del. David Englin (D-Alexandria), introduced H.J. 657, which would have repealed the Marshall-Newman Amendment which was championed and deceptively advertised by The Family Foundation, the Virginia affiliate of Daddy Dobson's Focus on the Family. Sadly, as too often happens in Virginia, the bill was killed in committee, thereby preventing any meaningful discussion of the measure. Because of the Marriage Amendment, Virginia remains one of the most anti-gay states in the country - something that does not help Northern Virginia be competitive in the recruitment of progressive businesses which can easily locate in Maryland which treats its citizens with more equality. I am particularly displeased that Delegate Ken Alexander - MY delegate - voted to kill the bill. I guess Alexander doesn't want my vote and the vote of the many gays in his district in the future. Here are some highlights from the Washington Blade:

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A legislative attempt to repeal the constitutional ban on same-sex marriage and civil unions in Virginia was defeated Monday when lawmakers voted to kill the measure.Lawmakers on the Privileges & Elections subcommittee in the Republican-controlled state House voted 7-1 to pass indefinitely on the initiative, meaning lawmakers would not take up the measure again this session.

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Those voting in favor of tabling the subcommittee measure were Del. William Janis (R-Henrico), Del. Lacey Putney (I-Bedford), Del. Frank Hargrove (R-Hanover), Del. John Cosgrove (R-Chesapeake), Del. Jeffrey Frederick (R-Prince William), Del. Clarence Phillips (D-Russell) and Del. Kenneth Alexander (D-Norfolk).

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Del. David Englin (D-Alexandria), the sponsor of the repeal, said “it’s unfortunate” the measure didn’t pass and noted legislators went against his proposal because “the majority on the subcommittee just really, fundamentally doesn’t believe in equal rights for all people based on sexual orientation.”“I think that, even in a state like Virginia where it’s an uphill battle, we keeping pushing and pushing because all people have a fundamental right to be treated with equal dignity,” he said. “I think eventually we’re going to see the day where the Marshall-Newman Amendment is repealed.” Englin said he “absolutely” intends to reintroduce the measure next session.

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Another measure sponsored by Englin, H.B. 1625, was defeated in a House General Laws subcommittee Jan. 21. The bill would have allowed local governments to pass ordinances regarding housing discrimination, including measures to bar discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.