RICHMOND Va. -- A Virginia gay rights group is asking Democratic U.S. Senatecandidate Timothy M. Kaine to take a stronger stance in support ofgay marriage. The LGBT Democrats of Virginia has sent a letter to the formergovernor and current Democratic U.S. Senate nominee on the heels ofPresident Barack Obama announcing his unequivocal support for gaymarriage earlier this week. "Governor Kaine, we ask you to join with us, and President BarackObama, in calling for full marriage equality for Virginians and allcitizens of the United States," the letter says. Earlier this week, a spokeswoman for Kaine told the Times-Dispatchthat he "believes in equal treatment under the law," but "does notbelieve government should tell faith congregations what unions torecognize for religious purposes." The letter to Kaine urges full support of gay marriage, noting that"it is the position of LGBT Democrats of Virginia that a differentname for what is in reality marriage for same-sex couples is notonly disingenuous, but also opens the door for continued attemptsto exempt these relationships from the benefits received by legallymarried couples as defined in a myriad of state and federal lawsand policies." The letter also urges Kaine to fight for the repeal of the Defenseof Marriage Act and the state's marriage amendment, both of whichKaine has opposed and has voiced support for repealing. It also asks that he assist with efforts to include marriageequality as part of the Virginia and national Democratic PartyPlatforms. In response to the letter, Kaine's campaign reaffirmed his viewthat gay couples are entitled to equal treatment under the law. "While he does not believe government should tell faithcongregations what unions to recognize for religious purposes, hedoes believe that all committed couples, regardless of sexualorientation, should have the same legal rights andresponsibilities," said Kaine campaign spokeswoman Brandi Hoffine. She also noted that Kaine opposes Republican front-runner GeorgeAllen's past efforts to pass a federal constitutional marriageamendment, commenting "we should not be writing discrimination intoour Constitution." The LGBT Democrats of Virginia is a partnership of the LGBTDemocrats of Virginia Caucus of the Democratic Party of Virginiaand the LGBT Democrats of Virginia PAC. I am an expert from homedecorationpieces.com, while we provides the quality product, such as China Interior Ceiling Lights , Craft Glass Ornaments, Home Decoration Pieces,and more.
Related Articles -
China Interior Ceiling Lights, Craft Glass Ornaments,
|