Another Republican Stands Up and Says Vote NO!
M. Caldwell Butler
Former Republican Congressman from the 6th Congressional District and former Minority Leader of the House of Delegates
Amendment Doesn’t Belong in Virginia’s Bill of Rights
Don’t need to say much more than that … but here’s some more of what he said in an OpEd published in the Roanoke Times today:
Every voter at the polls on Nov. 7 will be provided with an “explanation.” The last paragraph of the “Explanation” of “Ballot Question Number 1″ reads:
“A ‘yes’ vote on the proposed amendment will result in the addition of the proposed section 15A to Article I, the Bill of Rights. A ‘no’ vote will mean that there will be no changes made in Article I, the Bill of Rights.”
If a voter is considering a “yes” vote and determined to make this language a part of the Bill of Rights, he or she might inquire: “What right is created?” Certainly, no right is created in the first paragraph of the proposal, which reads: “That only a union between one man and one woman may be a marriage valid or recognized by this Commonwealth.”
Clearly, this is not a right. It is going the other way and the wrong way!
Simply stated, the proposed language (which is mean-spirited, unwarranted, poorly drafted and already in the code itself) does not belong in the constitution of Virginia, and certainly nowhere in our Bill of Rights.
Vote “no” on Proposed Amendment No. 1 to the constitution of Virginia.
“Irreconcilable Differences: Defining Marriage in Virginia” explores the controversial Marshall-Newman amendment
This just out today from PBS…. from a press release on program to air .. October 26, 2006:
October 2006, Richmond, VA—This November, Virginians will have the opportunity to vote on a constitutional amendment that states: “That only a union between one man and one woman may be a marriage valid in or recognized by this Commonwealth and its political subdivisions. This Commonwealth and its political subdivisions shall not create or recognize a legal status for relationships of unmarried individuals that intends to approximate the design, qualities, significance, or effects of marriage. Nor shall this Commonwealth or its political subdivisions create or recognize another union, partnership, or other legal status to which is assigned the rights, benefits, obligations, qualities, or effects of marriage.”
Gay marriage has become one of the most contentious issues facing voters. Twenty states have already amended their constitutions to ban gay marriage; six more will vote on amendments in November.
In Virginia, many opponents of the amendment see it as a distraction from more important issues, and also as a wedge issue designed to bring out more conservative voters to advance a socially conservative agenda.
Many proponents of the amendment believe that there is no more important issue facing Virginians and the nation, and that society will eventually collapse if traditional marriage is weakened.
“Irreconcilable Differences: Defining Marriage in Virginia” will reveal the compelling personal stories of two Virginia families, one gay and one straight, who believe that they will be affected by this amendment.
A Community Idea Stations production from Award-winning producer/director David Vinson, this program will also explore the underlying principles and beliefs of select Virginians on each side of the issue, including legislators, clergy and activists.
Some questions the documentary will attempt to answer include: How will gay families be affected by this amendment? How will straight families be affected? What role does religious faith play in this debate? What role does the government play in defining marriage and family?
This documentary, which will premiere on October 26, 2006 at 8 p.m. on WCVE Richmond PBS and WHTJ Charlottesville PBS, will provide a forum for Virginians on each side to express their thoughts about this controversial subject.
Information: Lynne McCarthy-Jones
804.560.8214
lmccarthy-jones@ideastations.org
