Loudoun Easterner
April 6, 2005
Mr. Moseley’s recent editorial asserts that most people think marriage is only between a man and a woman; he also says that the gay community is trying to “reshape society” rather than simply fighting for equal rights.
The truth is, the religious right and their legislators are the ones trying to “reshape society.” Representatives of the religious right, like Delegate Dick Black, come into our bedrooms and trample our rights because they believe that everyone should be bound by their values and beliefs. The religious right is so intolerant of other people’s beliefs and life styles they are not content to deny gay couples the right to marry. Indeed, the religious right was and is, intent on denying same sex couples the few legal options they already had to ensure they could take care of one another.
Delegate Dick Black said in a 2003 interview that he was in a war and the “battle” would begin when the Virginia General Assembly met in January 2004. He was talking about what he calls the “homosexual agenda.” He co-patroned a bill to strip same sex couples of any possible legal protections. The bill passed; it bars gay couples from entering into contracts that bestow the privileges of marriage, like being able to make decisions about a spouse’s life in the hospital. That would be the durable power of attorney Mr. Moseley mentioned, sorry, not an option for gay couples anymore. I believe the law is unconstitutional, but this will not be determined until the law is challenged, sadly someone in pain and suffering will no doubt have to challenge it.
The bill passed is as follows: 20-45.3. Civil unions between persons of the same sex. 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.
Does any sane person think our government should be passing laws to curtail the freedom of fellow Americans based on their sexual preference? Wake up people! Recognize that if you truly want government to stay out of your private life, you have to vote. If you don’t vote, minorities with intolerant attitudes will vote and they will force everyone to live in a world of their making. I don’t want to live in the world of the religious right, a world where being gay is evil, women are second class citizens, birth control is a sin and speaking up for tolerance isn’t tolerated. I prefer the American melting pot of diverse cultures, religions and secular beliefs that are not only tolerated, they are respected, embraced, and encouraged to grow. Our constitution was built to protect everyone, especially the minority. What the religious right is doing today is reminiscent of what drove them out of England so many years ago. Imposing their religious beliefs on others who do not share them.
Diana Bendit
Broad Run