Tuesday
Virginia Is for Lovers. (Some restrictions apply.)
Northern Virginia Rally for Equality and AGAINST HB 751
Wednesday, June 30th, Gathering at 5:50 PM, program at 6:00 PM
Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035
On July 1, 2004, gay and lesbian couples in the Commonwealth of Virginia lose all rights to enter any contract that would convey legal protections granting rights automatically included with civil marriage. House Bill 751, an amendment to the 1997 Affirmation of Marriage Act that already prohibits gay marriages, prohibits civil unions, domestic partnerships, and all contracts to duplicate any of the legal protections of civil marriage.
What do same sex couples risk losing?
Contracts such as medical directives, mutual wills, and custody decisions are likely impacted. Powers of attorney, property arrangements, and joint bank accounts could also be challenged. Civil marriage grants over 1,000 legal rights to married couples; Virginia wants to make it impossible for same sex couples to have any legal rights in their relationships. This legislation is so broadly written it is at least unclear and at most unconstitutional. HB 751 exposes people financially, legally and emotionally to the threat of a challenge on a daily basis. As a result, residents are considering leaving Virginia and new businesses and workers will choose to locate elsewhere.
On June 30, 2004, we're asking Virginia to Stand Up for Equality and attend one of the many statewide demonstrations supporting the LGBT community's civil rights.
// posted by Alice @ 6/29/2004 09:49:00 PM 
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