A Virginia State Senate committee will review "persuasive" language in a gay marriage amendment draft. Virginia law dictates that the language in the amendment should be neutral. Republican Attorney General Bob McDonnell is behind the sneakiness.

From 365Gay

Gay rights advocates say the draft explanation - which will eventually appear in registrars' offices and newspapers statewide - violates state rules of neutrality by adding a paragraph explaining what the law doesn't do.

While gay marriage already is illegal in the state, residents will vote on an amendment proponents say will ensure that Virginia doesn't have to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states.

Opponents have argued the amendment's broad language could have unintended effects for all unmarried couples.

State law requires a neutral explanation of any proposed amendment be distributed to voters at least 90 days before it goes to the ballot. That explanation is crafted by the Division of Legislative Services working with the attorney general.

The Senate Privileges and Elections committee Wednesday received a copy of a draft including revisions made by Republican Attorney General Bob McDonnell. It includes the addition of a single paragraph that explicitly limits marriage to one man and one woman and specifies that the state won't create a legal status mimicking marriage or recognize any such status created elsewhere.

Read the entire story at 365Gay

Previously: Virginia gov refuses to sign marriage amendment...

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 19, 2006 at 3:57 PM. Want to discuss? Leave a comment below.