VA's so-called marriage amendment

When voters go to the polls in the state of Virginia in November, they will be asked whether or not the Constitution of Virginia should be amended. The amendment is not about gay marriage. Gay marriage is already illegal in Virginia. This amendment goes far beyond that. If passed, it would prevent any legal contract between any unmarried people. Here are some implications:

• a straight woman being able to utilize domestic violence laws for her protection
• Any unmarried couple (straight or gay) enforcing a medical power of attorney
• Any unmarried couple (straight or gay) accessing the courts to enforce legal agreements regarding child custody or property

How is this good for individuals? How is this good for families? How is this good for anyone?

In our quest to start a dialogue, we surveyed a few LGBT people and asked them what answers they would most like from those who oppose their rights as families.

Here are their questions:

1. The only question I ever have for them isn't a novel one. How can they reconcile their homophobia and racism with following the teachings of Jesus Christ? I've never gotten a satisfactory answer. -Robbin

2. How would my marriage to the person I love have any impact, let alone harm your marriage to the person you love? -Sara

3. How does our love ignite your hate? -Kristie

4. Can you imagine, for one moment, what it would be like to be denied access to your loved one when their (or your) life was in danger? How can you live with choosing to put someone else in that misery? -Riley

5. How would my having visitation rights in a hospital impact you? -John