| Marriage Amendment |
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In November, 2006, 1,329,000 Virginia voters approved the Marshall-Newman Marriage Amendment, despite being significantly outspent by opponents. Marriage between one man and one woman is the most fundamental human relationship, recognizing the equality of male and female persons, and predates recorded history. When the U.S. Supreme Court rejected Ten Commandment morals in Lawrence v. Texas in 2003, I began a three year effort to secure passage of a Marriage Amendment to the Virginia Constitution. (See HJR 41 ) Recognizing or granting legal equivalency of same sex unions with one man/one woman marriage would result in the state's failure to defend marriage as an institution essential to the common good. Legal recognition for “same sex unions” would obscure certain basic moral values and further devalue the institution of marriage and the status of children who benefit from having a mother and a father. Such a radical change would set in motion legal and social consequences which the state would then be required to uphold. Civil laws influence and sanction patterns of thought and behavior that are especially significant on younger citizens' views and evaluation of forms of conduct. Refusal to legally recognize “same-sex” unions does not remove the Constitutional rights which all American citizens enjoy by virtue of their being persons and citizens. Persons who wish to start a business, enter a contract, bequeath their property or assign medical power of attorney are legally authorized to do so regardless of sexual orientation. Our constitutionally protected rights, and rights to contract, franchise, own property, travel, etc. are not conditioned on sexual orientation. Therefore it is deceptive, unjust and simply false to imply that recognition of same sex unions is necessary to achieve such rights. |
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