New ban on gay unions to begin

• Article
• Comments ()
• Click-2-Listen
• Videos

By

A ban on civil unions will become law in Virginia tomorrow, and homosexual- rights activists are planning statewide protests as well as a legal challenge.

The law, passed by an overwhelming majority, amends the state's Affirmation of Marriage Act to prohibit recognition of same-sex unions performed in other states. It bans civil unions, "partnership contracts" or other arrangements between homosexuals.

Homosexual-rights activists have planned seven coordinated protests statewide today at state government centers and at the state Capitol in Richmond.

Dyana Mason, executive director of homosexual-rights advocacy group Equality Virginia, said a legal challenge is in the works. She said the group has help from Lambda Legal and the American Civil Liberties Union.

"It could cast doubt on a contract between two friends or business partners," she said. "They would have to prove somehow that their relationship is not intimate, and that's not something you would want to drag through court."

The law doesn't change much in Virginia, which has never recognized civil unions or same-sex "marriage." Its supporters say it is necessary because of actions in Massachusetts and San Francisco, where same-sex couples from other states have been allowed to "marry."

Opponents say the law is overly broad and could prevent same-sex relatives or business partners from entering into contracts, such as those required for buying property, and that wills between same-sex partners could be challenged.

Attorney General Jerry W. Kilgore said the law is not intended to prohibit business partnerships, medical directives, joint bank accounts or any other rights or privileges not exclusive to marriage, adding that he will defend it against a court challenge.

Mr. Kilgore, a Republican, wrote a letter in April stating the bill "provides a needed safeguard for the institution of marriage while not depriving any individual rights currently available to all citizens."

But Dan Ortiz, a law professor at the University of Virginia, said the law's "broad" language goes further than its intent.