Virginia: The dark ages are upon thee

damien

Virginia is making Alabama and Kentucky look positively queer these days. Virginia's same sex marriage ban is so tough that it makes it illegal for a company to give partnership benefits to same sex couples. Some argue that the law is too broad and could prevent same-sex relatives or business partners from entering into contracts, such as those required for purchasing property, and that wills between same-sex partners could be challenged.

And now as you read, they're getting worse:

Virginia Considers Issuing Anti-Gay License Plates

(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.