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What is the Marshall/Newman amendment and why should you Vote NO?

BALLOT QUESTION NUMBER 1
Question: Shall Article I (the Bill of Rights) of the Constitution of Virginia be amended to state:

"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."?

The Right answer is NO

What is The Commonwealth Coalition?

The Commonwealth Coalition ("The Coalition") is a diverse group of individuals, businesses, and civic, community and religious organizations who have joined together to oppose the proposed amendment to the Virginia bill of rights that will be on the ballot this fall on election day, NOvember 7, 2006. The Marshall/Newman amendment would add to our constitution language that would go well beyond prohibiting same sex marriage to prohibit any and all legal recognition of unmarried relationships, gay or straight.

"Burning" - The Coalition Ad: Watch it. Share it.

Ten Reasons to Vote NO

1. You believe that the language of the proposed amendment goes too far in denying legal recognition to all unmarried relationships and not just same-sex relationships.
2. You are concerned that the amendment will be read by the courts to bar enforcement of domestic violence laws against unmarried partners.
3. You are concerned that the amendment will be used by opposing factions in families seeking to deny unmarried partners of loved ones the right to hospital visitation, to decide about organ donation or burial or to determine guardianship of children or property rights.
4. You are a business person or business owner who is concerned that your business will be sued for offering domestic partner benefits or health insurance to other than immediate family members or that you will not be able to attract and retain the best employees because you will not be able to match benefits available elsewhere.
5. You believe that civil marriage, as a governmental benefit, should be available to all without discrimination.
6. You are a religious leader or member of a faith community concerned that the amendment will prohibit you from celebrating marriages or unions consistent with your faith.
7. You are in an unmarried relationship, and you are concerned that the amendment may deny you access to the courts to enforce legal agreements regarding child custody, property and other arrangements essential to provide stability for your relationship and your family.
8. You believe that it is unnecessary to amend the constitution because Virginia statutes have prohibited same-sex marriages for 30 years and civil unions and other legal agreements between same-sex couples for the last three years without any legal challenge.
9. You believe that marriage should be limited to one man and one woman, and civil unions, domestic partnerships and other legal agreements between unmarried gay or straight couples should be legal.
10. You support full marriage equality.