A Love Story - In The Face of Hate

About the Law

First,

meet Barbara & Tibby...

They just celebrated 39 years of life together.

One, a teacher.
The other, a psychotherapist.

Their dream:
  • to live simply
  • to contribute to their community
  • to take care of each other, their children & grandchildren
  • to grow old together

After overcoming years of prejudice & discrimination in the name of love, these women made their home in the state of Virginia. On July 1, 2004, a LAW which JEOPARDIZES BASIC CIVIL RIGHTS slipped into effect with very little notice.

This statute (§20-45.3 formerly HB751) has a direct impact on contractual rights in regard to deeds, wills, bank accounts, medical directives, just to name a few. THE OPPRESSIVE CONSEQUENCES ARE FAR-REACHING. Barbara & Tibby, concerned with health, family, retirement and security issues, are unable to risk having their legal contracts invalidated at this stage of their lives. They must leave their beloved community and move to another state where the political and social climate is less hostile.

The Law:

EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2004

HB751
An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 20-45.3, relating to the Affirmation of Marriage Act for the Commonwealth of Virginia.
[HB751]
Approved

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 20-45.3 as follows:

§ 20-45.3. Civil unions between persons of same sex.

A civil union, partnership contract or other arrangement between persons of the same sex purporting to bestow the privileges or obligations of marriage is prohibited. Any such civil union, partnership contract or other arrangement entered into by persons of the same sex in another state or jurisdiction shall be void in all respects in Virginia and any contractual rights created thereby shall be void and unenforceable.

The thought process behind HB751 is officially documented online : PLEASE READ!


Unfortunately, that's not all...
In November 2006, the so-called "Virginia Marriage Amendment" was passed. This Constitutional Amendment is so broadly written that it can deny recognition and legal protections for all unmarried couples in Virginia; gay or straight.

Text of the so-called "Virginia Marriage Amendment"

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.