16 February 2009

Group Hopes to Push Gay Marriage Ban During Session

The Family Policy Council of West Virginia believes a grass roots wave in favor of a constitutional amendment ruling out same-sex marriage will soon hit the Legislature, The Associated Press reports.

The evangelical Christian group has also solicited donations and support on a new web site, which also pastors to quiz lawmakers on the issue and then report back using an online form (the group's president was admittedly "coy" when first asked about its involvement with the site.)

"Currently, same-sex marriage is legal only in Massachusetts and Connecticut, while 30 states have added gay marriage bans to their constitutions," the article explains. "West Virginia ignores all same-sex marriages granted elsewhere, under a 2000 law that also declares marriage 'designed to be a loving and lifelong union between a woman and a man' on all license applications."

The policy council views West Virginia's statute as inadequate in the face of a potential legal challenge, and deems it "a shield, not a sword." But the article also notes that "legislative leaders from both parties question whether this or any other culture war topic will gain traction this session."

1 comment:

clear eyes said...

The legislative leadership is way to liberal for legislation like this to eer make it out of committee. Sure, the people of the state would support it overwhelmingly, but the legislature doesn't really represent the people.