So I was perusing
the Washington Blade's website and came across
this little blurb about Virginia's new Democratic governor, Tim Kaine.
Now there are a couple things that I find interesting in this little article. One is, of course, that Virginia, in spite of Democratic leadership in the Governor's office, appears to be sliding backwards when it comes to recognizing GLBT Americans as full citizens under the law. It's sad to see the legislature gleefully embracing this kind of hateful referendum by such wide margins.
The second thing I found interesting and, frankly, disturbing was that newly-elected governor Tim Kaine is wholeheartedly supporting the referendum. According to his spokeswoman, Governor Kaine supports the amendment and opposes civil unions. But, bless his little ol' heart, he does want gays to be "able to contract with each other."
I remember in the run-up to that election how many folks on this board got downright angry when any LGBT person dared talk smack about Kaine's stance on gay rights. We were told that Kaine went to fundraisers with gay folks and shook the hands of lesbians. Of course, he was taking their money from them, too. We were told that Kaine would be better than Kilgore concerning gay rights, and I guess he is to a certain extent. But check out Jerry Kilgore's old website comparing Kilgore and Kaine. Scroll on down to Kilgore's stance on gay marriage. Compare that with what Tim Kaine's spokeswoman just said.
And tell me why I or any other LGBT person should vote Democratic. Of course, perhaps Kaine will be more progressive on other issues, and that's an argument that carries some weight. But I find it harder and harder to look past the fact that he doesn't recognize some citizens of his state to be equal under the law.
UPDATE: Here'sthe text of the amendment. What's particularly galling is that this amendment could very well void legal contracts between LGBTs that approximate some of the privileges of marriage. Fun.
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.