1,000 Rally for Gay Rights
Supporters protest new law they say is discriminatory.
By David Harrison


Before Dallas Miller moved to Fairfax City from South Carolina to live with his partner, he was more concerned about discrimination against gay men in the District — where he works as a psychologist and actor — than in Virginia.

But he found he had more to fear in Virginia. "I was dismayed once I realized," he said.

Three years later, Miller still lives in Fairfax and active in efforts to resist legislation designed to make Virginia less gay-friendly. Last Wednesday, he joined about 1,000 other demonstrators for an afternoon rally outside the Fairfax County Government Center protesting the implementation of a new law forbidding same-sex couples to enter into contractual agreements.

The new law is "of dubious constitutionality and morally bankrupt," said Del. Brian Moran (D-46), speaking for Northern Virginia lawmakers who opposed the law and joined him on the stage.