movieguy Posted April 11, 2006 Report Share Posted April 11, 2006 Virginia Governor Refuses To Sign Anti-Gay Amendment by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff April 10, 2006 - 9:00 pm ET (Richmond, Virginia) Virginia Governor Tim Kaine announced Monday he will not sign a bill that puts a proposed state constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage on the fall ballot. But it will not prevent the measure from going to voters in November. Kaine said that he will allow the bill to take force without his signature. He made his intentions clear in a statement that was issued by his office. "I urge other Virginians to vote against it as well," the governor's statement said. The move was not surprising. Kaine opposes same-sex marriage but has said on numerous occasions that amending the constitution is not warranted. Virginia law already defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Proponents say the constitutional amendment will make it clear that Virginia doesn't have to recognize gay marriages and same-sex civil commitments from other states. The proposed amendment passed in January on a 28 - 11 vote after little debate. The House of Delegates overwhelmingly approved the measure the same month. Opponents argue that amendment is discriminatory and could have broad unintended consequences for all unmarried couples, gay or straight. The conservative Family Foundation, a key supporter of the amendment, criticized Kaine's refusal to sign the enabling legislation. "It is disappointing that a governor who has spoken so eloquently about his faith has chosen to break his campaign promise," said Victoria Cobb, the foundation's president. ©365Gay.com 2006 links Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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