Equality Fairfax

At the start of the 2009 General Assembly Session, Equality Virginia’s legislative agenda included ten bills covering nine different topics — all of which would have a positive impact on gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender people in Virginia if enacted.  Two issues, nondiscrimination in public employment and equity in group life insurance, were targeted as key priorities.

This past Tuesday marked “Crossover” day, which is the day when the houses of introduction must complete work on their bills. As of that time, one of the two bills to provide equity in group life insurance had passed the Senate and is pending in the House.  In addition, we are continuing to watch a bill to expand the state’s bullying law, which has been significantly modified since its introduction.  All of the other bills on the legislative agenda failed to pass in their respective houses of introduction and they are “dead” for this session of the legislature.  Additional detail regarding bills and the consideration they received is provided below.

In addition to the bills supported by Equality Virginia, we were able to force a vote on the floor of the House on the issue of discrimination by asking Delegate Adam Ebbin to offer an amendment to the budget that would have prohibited the discriminatory discharge or lay off of public employees based on the employee’s race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity, or status as a veteran.  The budget amendment was narrower than the bill Delegate Ebbin offered in order to avoid procedural challenges to its consideration.  Delegate Ebbin offered introductory remarks regarding the reason for the proposed budget amendment which are set out in an appendix to this memo.  There was no comment or debate on the amendment.  A recorded vote was taken and the results were 42 YES, 55 NO and 3 Not Voting.  You can click the link to get the complete list of who voted how.

 NONDISCRIMINATION IN PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT HB 2385 (EBBIN) SUPPORT

Would offer all public employees protection from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, as well as other factors, such as race, religion and veteran status.

This bill was our number one priority, and a major goal was to get a fair hearing for the bill in the House this year.  The bill was heard thoroughly in the Professions/Occupation/Administrative Process subcommittee of House General Laws.  Delegate Ebbin was afforded an opportunity to present the bill and Equality Virginia testified in favor of it, as did the Director of the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management and Robley Jones from the Virginia Education Association.  In addition, the AARP and the Virginia Governmental Employees Association also were cited as in support of the legislation.   Mr. Jack Knapp, the lobbyist for the Virginia Federation of Independent Baptists, was the only person to speak against the legislation.

After Delegate Gilbert had finished his line of questioning, which included questions posed to the representatives of the VEA and the State Department of Human Resource Management about whether they supported the gender identity provisions of the bill (which they affirmed they did), Delegate Jackson Miller moved to strip the gender identity language from the bill.  The motion passed on a voice vote supported by Delegates Miller, Gilbert, E.T. Scott, Carrico and Cosgrove and opposed passionately and eloquently by Delegate Eisenberg.

Delegate Jackson Miller then moved to report the bill as amended.  Delegate Scott made a substitute motion to table the bill.  Delegates Miller and Eisenberg voted against the motion to table.  Delegates Cosgrove, Carrico, E.T. Scott, and Gilbert voted for the motion to table.  Delegates Ward and Barlow were not present at the meeting. 

 GROUP LIFE INSURANCE HB 1726 (RUST) and SB 945 (HOWELL) SUPPORT

Would allow employers to extend group life insurance policies to any class of persons as agreed to by the employer and its insurer as is now the case with group health insurance.

The Senate passed the Senate version of this bill, SB 945, by a vote of 32-7:

YEAS–Barker, Blevins, Colgan, Deeds, Edwards, Hanger, Herring, Houck, Howell, Hurt, Locke, Lucas, Marsh, McDougle, McEachin, Miller, J.C., Miller, Y.B., Norment, Northam, Petersen, Puller, Quayle, Reynolds, Ruff, Saslaw, Stolle, Stosch, Stuart, Ticer, Vogel, Wampler, Whipple–32.

NAYS–Cuccinelli, Martin, Newman, Obenshain, Puckett, Smith, Wagner–7.

The House version of the bill, HB 1726, failed in a subcommittee of House Commerce and Labor on a tie vote on a motion to report:

YEAS– Saxman, Morgan, Melvin, Sickles–4.

NAYS– Ware, R.L., Nixon, Janis,  Joannou–4.

ABSTENTIONS–0.

NOT VOTING—Hargrove, Ward, Kilgore–3.

Delegates Hargrove and Ward, who we believed would vote favorably on the measure, were absent attending a Virginia War Memorial Commission meeting and a wake, respectively.

 HOUSING DISCRIMINATION HB 1625 (ENGLIN) SUPPORT

Would allow localities to expand groups protected from housing discrimination under state law to include GLBT persons.

This bill would have given localities flexibility to extend protection from housing discrimination to groups not covered by the state housing law.  The bill was tabled in the Housing Subcommittee of House General Laws on an unrecorded voice vote.

 HOUSING DISCRIMINATION HB 2668 (SCOTT) SUPPORT

Would add sexual orientation to the protected classes under the Virginia Fair Housing Law.

This bill would have added “sexual orientation” to the Virginia Fair Housing Law covering all rental and sales transactions.  The bill was tabled without significant discussion in a subcommittee of House General Laws.  The vote was recorded: Delegates Oder, Carrico, Cosgrove, and Fralin voted to table; Delegates Dance and Bulova voted against tabling; Delegates Hull and Jackson Miller were not present.

 FAIRFAX COUNTY NONDISCRIMINATION BILL HB 1933 (PLUM) SUPPORT

Would authorize Fairfax County to add “sexual orientation” to its local nondiscrimination ordinances and policies.

This bill would have allowed Fairfax County, in an exercise of home rule, to amend its local nondiscrimination ordinances to include “sexual orientation.”  Heather Lawson, Vice Chair of the Fairfax Human Rights Commission came to Richmond to testify in favor of the bill. 

The bill died in a subcommittee of the House Committee on Counties, Cities and Towns on an unrecorded voice vote.  Members of the subcommittee voting to table the bill included the chair of the subcommittee, Delegate Crockett-Stark and Delegates Orrock, Iaquinto, Poindexter and Massie.  Delegates Hall, Caputo, Pollard and McQuinn voted against the motion to table.  Delegate Marshall was not present.

 FAIRNESS IN DETERMINING ELIGIBILITY FOR PUBLIC BENEFITS HB 2375 (ENGLIN) SUPPORT

Would establish that the state can’t consider the income of a person in deciding on the eligibility of a family or household for health and social services if the relationship of that person to the family isn’t recognized by the Commonwealth.

This common sense measure, which was supported by the Family Foundation (“it’s only fair given the passage of the amendment”), sailed through the Committee on Health, Welfare and Institutions by a vote of 21-0, and was recommended for passage by the health and social services subcommittee of House Appropriations.  Nonetheless, it was not acted upon by the full Appropriations Committee.

 STANDARDS FOR MODEL ANTI-BULLYING POLICY HB 1624 (ENGLIN) SUPPORT

Would establish standards for the State Board of Education to follow in amending its current model student conduct policies addressing bullying. As introduced, the bill would require the model policy to specifically address bullying directed at a student because of his or her sexual orientation or gender identity.

This bill was amended substantially by the patron and the House Education Committee after introduction.  The only new language left in the bill adds “the use of electronic means for purposes of bullying, harassment, and intimidation” to the topics that must be addressed in the model student conduct policy.  As amended, the bill passed the House by a vote of 94-5.

 REPEAL THE MARSHALL-NEWMAN AMENDMENT HJR 657 (ENGLIN) SUPPORT

Would be the first step toward repealing the Marshall-Newman amendment that added to the bill of rights of the Virginia Constitution an amendment denying all relationship recognition to GLBT couples.

This resolution died in the constitutional amendment subcommittee of the House Privileges and Elections Committee on which the following legislators sit:  Janis (Chairman), Putney, Hargrove, Cosgrove, Frederick, Phillips, Alexander, Morrissey

On an unrecorded vote, Janis, Putney, Hargrove, Cosgrove, Frederick, Phillips and Alexander all supported a motion to pass the resolution by indefinitely.  Only Morrissey voted no. 

Arguments against the resolution centered on the fact that Virginians had approved the amendment by a wide margin only two years ago and that there was no compelling evidence to suggest that a majority of Virginians had changed their mind.

Debate on Ballot Question #1 sponsored by Fairfax County Federation of Citizens Associations & Fairfax Committee of 100

Will be televised on Fairfax Channel 10 – tell your friends!
Wed., Nov 1 8am
Thurs., Nov 2 11pm
Fri., Nov 3 4:30p
Sat., Nov 4 9:30a

Pro: Del. Bob Marshall (Author of the So-Called Marriage Amendment)
Victoria Cobb, Family Foundation of Virginia

Con: Jim Dyke, partner McGuire Woods and former VA Secretary of Education
Doug Koelemay, managing director, Qorvis Communications

Fairfax County Government Center
12000 Government Center Parkway
Fairfax, VA, 22035

This week saw legislative action on most of the remaining bills that Equality Virginia has been tracking, including the defeat of HB 1308 which would have allowed discrimination against Gay/Straight Alliances in Virginia schools.

Updates on all EV monitored legislation are highlighted below for you.  You can write or call the Constituent Hotline at 1-800-889-0229 to voice your opinion.

Below are measures that Equality Virginia Opposes:

HJ 41/SJ 92 Constitutional amendment (second resolution); marriage. Del. Robert Marshall and Senator Stephen Newman.   The actual amendment 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.”

Both the Senate an House of Delegates have passed their own versions of the amendment, and now they are going through the opposing house.  On Friday, by a vote of 29-11 the Senate ratified the House resolution, HJ 41.  The House is expected to take up the Senate version next week.  While both bills are identical, it’s important to continue to urge your Senator and Delegate to oppose the amendment at every opportunity.

What you can do today:
Continue sending in your letters to the editors of your local papers!

HB 101 /SB 526  Constitutional amendment (voter referendum); marriage. Del. John A. Cosgrove and Senator Stephen Newman.  This is the “implementing” bill that defines when the voter referendum would be on the ballot (November 2006), and what voters would actually see if and when they vote on it. 

This week, the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections voted to include the entire text of the amendment in the ballot question that will be seen by voters.  That version was endorsed by the House of Delegates this week.  This legislation is now on the Governor’s desk.

HB 1308 School boards; authority to block use of school facilities by certain groups. Del. Matthew Lohr.  This bill is intended to allow discrimination against Virginia’s Gay/Straight Alliances by allowing school boards to mistake the nature of these groups, assuming that somehow they “encourage or promote sexual activity by unmarried minor students.”

Update: This bill passed the House of Delegates passed it 70-29, but was defeated by the Senate Education and Health Committee by a vote of 9-6 on March 2! 

Take Action : Contact  Senate Education & Health Committee members that voted against this misguided measure to thank them for their support!

Equality Virginia Supports These Following Bills:

SB 673 Health Insurance.  Senator Mary Margaret Whipple. This bill would have allowed Arlington County to offer expanded health care benefits to their employees. 

Update:  Although this bill passed the Senate by a vote of 35-5, it was “passed by indefinitely”, or defeated in the House Committee on Counties, Cities and Towns by a vote of 13-9.  Write and thank those Delegates who voted for this bill today!

SB 700 Employment discrimination.   Senators Mamie Locke and Louise Lucas.    Prohibits workplace discrimination for all state, local and public school employees on the basis race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation or disability.

Update:  This bill was defeated in the Senate General Laws and Technology Committee by a vote of 8-6.  Write those Senators who cast their vote against discrimination and thank them for standing up for equality!

The General Assembly missed a critical opportunity this week to state that the Commonwealth does not discriminate when both houses voted to strip language from the budget inserted by former Governor Mark Warner protecting all state employees from workplace discrimination.  The Senate vote was a “voice vote” so no vote count is available, but the House of Delegates voted 58-38 to strip the language.  Thank the 38 Delegates who stood up against discrimination by sending a free email  today!

 In addition, updates on all EV monitored legislation is highlighted below for you.  You can write or call the Constituent Hotline at 1-800-889-0229.

Below are measures that Equality Virginia Opposes:

HJ 41/SJ 92 Constitutional amendment (second resolution); marriage. Del. Robert Marshall and Senator Stephen Newman.   The actual amendment 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.”

Both the Senate an House of Delegates have passed their own versions of the amendment, and now they are going through the opposing house.  On Friday, by a vote of 29-11 the Senate ratified the House resolution, HJ 41.  The House is expected to take up the Senate version next week.  While both bills are identical, it’s important to continue to urge your Senator and Delegate to oppose the amendment at every opportunity.

What you can do today:
HB 101 /SB 526  Constitutional amendment (voter referendum); marriage. Del. John A. Cosgrove and Senator Stephen Newman.  This is the “implementing” bill that defines when the voter referendum would be on the ballot (November 2006), and what voters would actually see if and when they vote on it. 

This week, the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections voted to include the entire text of the amendment in the ballot question that will be seen by voters.  That version was endorsed by the House of Delegates this week.  This legislation will soon be on its way to the Governor’s desk. !

HB 1308 School boards; authority to block use of school facilities by certain groups. Del. Matthew Lohr.  This bill is intended to allow discrimination against Virginia’s Gay/Straight Alliances by allowing school boards to mistake the nature of these groups, assuming that somehow they “encourage or promote sexual activity by unmarried minor students.”

Update: This bill passed the House of Delegates passed it 70-29.  This measure will be heard in the Senate Education and Health Committee next Thursday, March 2.

Take Action : Contact Senate Education & Health Committee members today and urge them to oppose this bill.  A similar measure failed in this committee last year by a 9-6 vote. 

Equality Virginia Supports These Following Bills:

SB 700 Employment discrimination.   Senators Mamie Locke and Louise Lucas.    Prohibits workplace discrimination for all state, local and public school employees on the basis race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation or disability.

Update:  This bill was defeated in the Senate General Laws and Technology Committee by a vote of 8-6.  Write those Senators who cast their vote against discrimination and thank them for standing up for equality!

Delegate Marshall has introduced a bill that would prohibit any couple, married or not, from using anonymous sperm or egg donation. Here is the full text of the bill:

Prohibits the use of unrelated anonymous donor oocyte or sperm in the performance of intervening medical technology that completely or partially replaces sexual intercourse as a means of conception and requires, notwithstanding any traditional practice, agreement, regulation, or law to the contrary, the identity of any unrelated oocyte or sperm donor to be noted in the health record of any woman patient whenever any healthcare practitioner licensed by a health regulatory board uses any unrelated donor gametes in the performance of or while assisting in the performance of such intervening medical technology, such as artificial insemination by donor, cryopreservation of gametes and embryos, in vitro fertilization, embryo transfer, gamete intrafallopian tube transfer, and low tubal ovum transfer.

This is an unnecessary intrusion into the family by the state and would hurt any Virginia family that might seek the help of a fertility clinic.

Delegate Marshall has introduced HB187, a bill that would prohibit medical professionals from assisting unmarried women in becoming pregnant. The actual text of the bill is:

No individual licensed by a health regulatory board shall assist with or perform any intervening medical technology, whether in vivo or in vitro, for or on an unmarried woman that completely or partially replaces sexual intercourse as the means of conception, including, but not limited to, artificial insemination by donor, cryopreservation of gametes and embryos, invitro fertilization, embryo transfer, gamete intrafallopian tube transfer, and low tubal ovum transfer.

This bill would prevent any unmarried woman, gay or straight, from starting a family unless she wanted to enlist the aid of a man. This is a clear intrusion of government into our lives.

On Wednesday, January 11, the Virginia General Assembly will convene its 2006 legislative session. This year promises to be just as challenging as 2005, when Virginia’s legislators tried to steer Virginia into becoming the most anti-gay state in the nation.

Expected Anti-Gay Legislation Includes:

• Second Resolution for the so-called “Virginia Marriage Amendment.” The amendment (HJ23), which passed last year, has to pass one more time before being placed on the ballot in either 2006 or 2007 as a statewide voter referendum. This amendment goes too far past defining marriage as between a man and a woman and would permanently isolate committed GLBT couples from any legal recognition of their relationship including security for their family and property.
• Adoption. While last year’s lead patron of a measure to ban gay and lesbian parents from adopting (Del. Dick Black, R-Sterling) was defeated, we expect a similar measure to be filed in 2006.
• Gay/Straight Alliances . Del-elect Matt Lohr, (R-Harrisonburg) has expressed his intent to re-introducing a bill filed last year by his predecessor to restrict or prohibit Gay/Straight Alliances in Virginia schools. These peer support groups are vital to protecting the well-being of vulnerable students who are often bullied and ostracized.
• Executive Order (EO) protecting state employees. Governor Warner recently signed an EO adding sexual orientation to the list of characteristics for which a state employee cannot be discriminated against in the workplace. This recognition is historic and opponents have announced it will be challenged in the General Assembly.
• Fertility treatment. Del. Bob Marshall (R-Manassas) has pre-filed HB 187 which seeks to prevent fertility doctors from treating unmarried women. This legislation would prevent unmarried women from receiving professional help to become pregnant.

We were able to defeat many of these measures last year, but we continue to need your help.

HB 2921 — Anti-Gay Adoption – Del. Richard Black (R-Sterling) and Del. Robert Marshall (R-Manassas) - passed House (71-24); DEFEATED in Senate committee

In it original form, would have prohibited “homosexuals” from adopting children in Virginia.

 Current version is modified to require investigators to determine and report “whether the petitioner is known to engage in current voluntary homosexual activity or is unmarried and cohabiting with another adult to whom he is not related by blood or marriage”

Our position:  This measure is an extreme attempt to deny hundreds of children from having permanent, loving and nurturing forever homes.  Studies have shown children raised by gay or lesbian parents do not suffer adverse affects in any developmental area.  While this bill is weakened from its original form, it would still encourage discriminatory and special disparate treatment against prospective

gay and lesbian parents.

How they voted:
YEAS– Watkins M. Abbitt, Jr., David B. Albo-Springfield, Ward L. Armstrong, Clifford L. Athey, Jr., Mamye E. BaCote, William K. Barlow, Robert B. Bell,Richard H. Black, L. Preston Bryant, Jr., Kathy J. Byron, Vincent F. Callahan, Jr.-McLean., Charles W. Carrico, Sr., Benjamin L. Cline, Mark L. Cole, J. Paul Councill, Jr., M. Kirkland Cox, , Allen W. Dudley, William H. Fralin, Jr., Jeffrey M. Frederick, Thomas D. Gear, H. Morgan Griffith, , Phillip A. Hamilton, Frank D. Hargrove, Sr., Clarke N. Hogan, Algie T. Howell, Jr., William J. Howell, Timothy D. Hugo-Fairfax, Robert Hurt, Riley E. Ingram, William R. Janis, Johnny S. Joannou, Joseph P. Johnson, Jr., Dwight Clinton Jones, S. Chris Jones, W. Benny Keister, Terry G. Kilgore, Lynwood W. Lewis, Jr., L. Scott Lingamfelter,Allen L. Louderback, Bradley P. Marrs, Daniel W. Marshall, III, Robert G. Marshall, Joe T. May, Robert F. McDonnell, Ryan T. McDougle, Michele B. McQuigg, Floyd H. Miles, Sr., Paula J. Miller, Samuel A. Nixon, Jr., David A. Nutter, John M. O’Bannon, III, G. Glenn Oder, Robert D. Orrock, Sr., Clarence E. Phillips, Albert C. Pollard, Jr., Harry R. Purkey, Lacey E. Putney, Melanie L. Rapp, Gary A. Reese-Oak Hill/Herndon, John S. Reid, , Christopher B. Saxman, Edward T. Scott, Beverly J. Sherwood, Lionell Spruill, Sr., Jackie T. Stump, Terrie L. Suit, Robert Tata, Leo C. Wardrup, Jr., Onzlee Ware, R. Lee Ware, Jr., Glenn M. Weatherholtz, John J. Welch, III, Thomas C. Wright, Jr. –71

NAYS–Kenneth C. Alexander, Kristen J. Amundson-Mt. Vernon, Mamye E. BaCote, Viola O. Baskerville, Robert H. Brink, James H. Dillard, II-Fairfax, Adam P. Ebbin-Fairfax, Albert C. Eisenberg, Franklin P. Hall, Robert D. Hull-Falls Church, Dwight Clinton Jones, Kenneth R. Melvin, Brian J. Moran-Alexandria,Harry J. Parrish, J. Chapman Petersen-Fairfax, Kenneth R. Plum-Reston, Thomas Davis Rust-Herndon, James M. Scot-Merrifield, Stephen C. Shannon-Vienna, James M. Shuler, Mark D. Sickles-alexandria, Mitchell Van Yahres, Jeion A. Ward, Vivian E. Watts-Annandale –24.

ABSTENTIONS–0.

NOT VOTING–John A. Cosgrove, R. Steven Landes, Harvey B. Morgan, Van Marian Van Landingham-Alexandria–4.

HJ 586 – Virginia Marriage Amendment  – 
Del. John R. Cosgrove (Chesapeake) – passed House (78-18)

Constitutional amendment (first reference). 

Provides that marriage “is the legal union of one man and one woman as husband and wife” and that “no other combination of persons may be licensed to marry.” The proposed amendment prohibits the creation, recognition, or enforcement of imitations of marriage.

Amended as follows:

That in this Commonwealth, a marriage shall consist exclusively of the union of one man and one woman as husband and wife. This Commonwealth shall not recognize or create another union or partnership to which is assigned the rights, benefits, obligations, or status of marriage. 

Any right, benefit, obligation, or status pertaining to persons not married is otherwise not altered or abridged by this section.

Our position on marriage amendments:  These amendments are overbroad and will be considered by all fair-minded Virginians as an attack that goes too far.  Beyond “protecting marriage” they unnecessarily restrict loving, committed couples who most people believe should be allowed many of the benefits and obligations currently associated only with marriage. Marriage is already well out of our reach in Virginia; we hope a way is preserved to allow future legislators to respond positively to the steadily growing public sentiment in support of recognition for all couples.

How they voted:
YEAS–Watkins M. Abbitt, Jr., David B. Albo-Springfield, Kenneth C. Alexander, Ward L. Armstrong, Clifford L. Athey, Jr., William K. Barlow, Robert B. Bell, Richard H. Black, L. Preston Bryant, Jr., Kathy J. Byron, Vincent F. Callahan-McLean, Charles W. Carrico, Sr., Benjamin L. Cline, Mark L. Cole, John A. Cosgrove, J. Paul Councill, Jr., M. Kirkland Cox, Allen W. Dudley, William H. Fralin, Jr., Jeffrey M. Frederick, Thomas D. Gear, H. Morgan Griffith, Franklin P. Hall, Phillip A. Hamilton,Frank D. Hargrove, Sr., Clarke N. Hogan, William J. Howell, Timothy D. Hugo-Centreville, Robert Hurt, Riley E. Ingram, William R. Janis, Johnny S. Joannou, Joseph P. Johnson, Jr., Dwight Clinton Jones, S. Chris Jones, W. Benny Keister, Terry G. Kilgore, R. Steven Landes, Lynwood W. Lewis, Jr., L. Scott Lingamfelter, Allen L. Louderback, Bradley P. Marrs, Daniel W. Marshall, III, Robert G. Marshall, Joe T. May, Robert F. McDonnell, Ryan T. McDougle, Michele B. McQuigg, Paula J. Miller, Harvey B. Morgan, Samuel A. Nixon, Jr., David A. Nutter, John M. O’Bannon, III, G. Glenn Oder, Robert D. Orrock, Sr., Harry J. Parrish, J. Chapman Petersen-Fairfax, Clarence E. Phillips, Harry R. Purkey, Lacey E. Putney, Melanie L. Rapp, Gary A. Reese-Oak Hill, John S. Reid, Thomas Davis Rust-Herndont, Edward T. Scott, Stephen C. Shannon-Vienna, Beverly J. Sherwood, Lionell Spruill, Sr., Jackie T. Stump, Terrie L. Suit, Robert Tata, Leo C. Wardrup, Jr.,Onzlee Ware, R. Lee Ware, Jr., Vivian E. Watts-Annandale, Glenn M. Weatherholtz, John J. Welch, III, Thomas C. Wright, Jr. –78.

NAYS–Kristen J. Amundson-Mt. Vernon, Mamye E. BaCote, Viola O. Baskerville, Robert H. Brink, James H. Dillard-Fairfax, Adam P. Ebbin-Fairfax, Albert C. Eisenberg, Robert D. Hull-Falls Church, Kenneth R. Melvin, Floyd H. Miles, Sr., Brian J. Moran-Alexandria, Kenneth R. Plum-Reston, Albert C. Pollard, Jr., James M. Scott-Merrifield, James M. Shuler, Mark D. Sickles-Alexandria, Mitchell Van Yahres, Jeion A. Ward–18.

ABSTENTIONS–0.

NOT VOTING–Algie T. Howell, Jr., Christopher B. Saxman, Marian Van Landingham-Alexandria–3.

HJ 584 – Virginia Marriage Amendment – 
Del. Robert Marshall (Manassas) and Del. Richard Black (Sterling) -rolled into HJ586

Constitutional amendment (first resolution); marriage.  

Provides that marriage “is the legal union of one man and one woman as husband and wife” and that “no other combination of persons may be licensed to marry.”  The proposed amendment prohibits the creation, recognition, or enforcement of imitations of marriage.  However, a right, privilege, or obligation of marriage may be conferred by statute on an unmarried person.