UPDATE #2: Gay Couples Buoyed By New Virginia Marriage Poll [365gay]

UPDATE #1: 100 Lawyers Join Opposition to Virginia Anti-Gay Amendment [365gay]

This November, Virginians will get to vote on a proposed anti-gay marriage amendment. Under the amendment, both gay marriage AND civil unions would be banned.

From 365gay

The most recent poll, taken in July, showed that 56 percent of likely voters said they would vote in favor of amending the state constitution, while 38 percent of voters said they would vote against it. Only six percent of those surveyed remain undecided.

The poll, taken four months before election day, had the lowest support in the same time frame of any state in recent history where a gay marriage referendum was put to voters.

Groups fighting the amendment believe as people become aware of the broad nature of the amendment they are having second thoughts. And those groups fighting the proposed ban are not just LGBT rights organizations, but business groups and churches.

In Roanoke it was the topic at a recent meeting of the local Kiwanis Club and featured a debate between .Sen. John Edwards and Del. William Fralin.

"I oppose it. The governor opposes it. A lot of people oppose it," said Edwards, pointing out that the state already has a so-called Defense of Marriage Act.

"I think constitutions are about the long term - about looking 10, 15, 10 years down the road and making sure that the fundamental values that the citizens want to protect are protected," countered Fralin.

For many business leaders the issue is one of competitiveness amid fears that if the amendment passes it could prevent some companies from doing business in the state. It could also mean talented prospective employees would not work in Virginia.

"What we're talking about is work force issues, which is the No. 1 issue for companies," said Michael Schewel who was Virginia's secretary of commerce and trade from 2002 through 2005.

"It's reasonable to assume this amendment would affect companies. Many businesses, especially big businesses in fields like technology, consulting, advertising and research, are recruiting nationally and internationally, and they need to be able to recruit top talent wherever it's available."

And there are fears talented gays will leave the state. Real estate agents in northern Virginia already say they are seeing a migration of gay couples - many with children - from the state.

Past Related Posts:

• Virginia Legislature To Review Gay Marriage Amendment Wording
• Virginia Gov Refuses To Sign Marriage Amendment
  

Posted by Ace

This entry was posted on Friday, September 08, 2006 at 7:14 PM. Want to discuss? Leave a comment below.