Virginia's new law banning civil unions

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http://home.hamptonroads.com/stories/story.cfm?story=70659&ran=167963

New law may void same-sex benefits
By CHRISTINA NUCKOLS, The Virginian-Pilot
© May 22, 2004

RICHMOND — After a long struggle with her employer, Lisa Z. Morgan was allowed to extend her health insurance this year to her lesbian partner, Niely , and their two children.

But a new state law banning civil unions, partnerships and other contracts between same-sex couples could invalidate those insurance benefits when it becomes effective on July 1 – and could make Virginia the most restrictive state in the country for gays who want some of the same legal benefits as heterosexual couples.

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The law says, “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.”

Gov. Mark R. Warner attempted to amend the bill last month to eliminate its sweeping references to contracts and other agreements, but legislators overruled him and approved the original wording.

More in the Virginia State Forum:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=183&topic_id=87