Local Gay Activists, Church Speak Out Against State Law
Yolanda  Reyes


Jun 18, 2004 -- Equality Loudoun and Unitarian Universalists of Sterling Church have partnered for an evening of poetry in order to provide concerned gays and lesbians in Loudoun County a forum to speak out against what they believe is an unjust law.

The two groups have invited gays, lesbians, bisexuals, the transgendered community and their friends to share their thoughts about life and love during the “Virginia Is For Lovers” poetry slam June 29 in order to fight against HB 751, better known as the Marriage Affirmation Act. The act was passed by the Virginia General Assembly earlier this year and will take effect July 1.

As enacted, the new state code, section 20-45.3, reads:

“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.”


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School Board May Add 'Promoting Heterosexual Families' To Educational Goals
Others Say Gay Marriage Has Nothing To Do With Student Achievement


COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- The debate over gay marriage has reached the Colorado Springs school board, which will discuss whether one of its goals should be promoting "stable, heterosexual, two-parent families."

Board member Willie Breazell got the resolution on Wednesday's agenda despite the skepticism of at least one other board member.

"How does this relate to our goal of student achievement?" board member Karen Teja asked.

"I think it's part of the problem we have in this district," Breazell replied.

Two other school trustees agreed to put the resolution on the agenda, giving Breazell the three informal votes needed.

The proposed resolution asks Colorado Springs' delegation to the Legislature to promote state policy "which defines, defends, maintains and nourishes stable, heterosexual, two-parent families."