Date: Tue, 6 Feb 1996 12:14:09 -0500 From: Virginians For Justice Subject: VJ Legislative Update February 6, 1996 Virginians for Justice ***** ACTION ALERT Item #1 - Bill Opposing "Gay Marriage" Stricken! Item #2 - Hate Crimes Testimony Scheduled for This Week Item #3 - Constituent Calls Needed on C.A.N. Bill ------------------------------------------------------------------- ITEM 1: BILL TO PREEMPT HAWAII MARRIAGE CASE DIES A cautious victory has been declared as House Bill 1189, a bigoted attempt to keep Virginia from recognizing marriages that are already illegal in Virginia, but may become legal elsewhere, has been stricken from the House of Delegates docket. Virginia already prohibits same- sex marriages, but HB1189 was seen as a preemptive strike against the effects of the Hawaii Supreme Court decision on "gay marriage" should it come down on the side of gay marriage. The bill's sponsor, Delegate James McClure (R-Centreville), agreed that the bill should be stricken. Virginians for Justice believes that Del. McClure was motivated by a realization that his proposed law would have applied not only to same-sex marriages that may become legal elsewhere, but also to marriages in states that have different bounds on the lowest age for marriage, differing state-to-state blood test requirements, or other matters not related to sexual orientation. This measure could be revised and revived this session, specifically targeting same-sex marriages. VJ will keep you informed. ITEM 2: HATE CRIMES BILL The same House of Delegates Courts of Justice Subcommittee that in past years has not acted on a bill to add "sexual orientation" and "gender" to Virginia's hate crimes law, has rescheduled testimony on House Bill 234 for Thursday, February 8, or Friday, February 9. Virginians for Justice lobbyists and the more than 30 people that attended VJ's Lobby Day have been lining up support, but the subcommittee and subsequent committee votes are still much too close to call. Phone calls to Richmond are especially needed this week. It is likely that the subcommittee will vote on the bill directly following testimony. If HB234 passes this subcommittee, it will then be voted on in the full committee. The House of Delegates must pass or reject all of its own bills by February 13 when the Senate and the House exchange legislation that has passed (aka crossover). With a record 19 cosponsors, HB234 is seen as having a good chance of progressing IF SUFFICIENT PRESSURE IS APPLIED. The so-called Virginia Family Hotline, a right wing constituent phoneline, has been urging its callers to call their legislators to oppose this "piece of the radical homosexual agenda", so it is imperative that we generate many calls to SUPPORT HB234. ITEM 3: C.A.N. BILL House Bill 1468, legislation that will override a portion of Virginia's archaic Crimes Against Nature law (aka sodomy), must also be dealt with by the House of Delegates by February 13. The House Courts of Justice Committee will also hear testimony on HB1468 bill as early as Tuesday, February 6, so support for HB1468 needs to be conveyed to your legislators immediately. The C.A.N. law is the very foundation of homophobic laws, policies and judicial decisions in the Commonwealth. Last year's bill was also sponsored by Delegate Karen Darner (D-Arlington), but with no cosponsors. Six other legislators have stepped forward this year as co- patrons of HB1468, so momentum is building. ************** REQUESTED ACTIONS ************** Call Virginia's legislative opinion line and leave a message for your DELEGATE and SENATOR in Richmond - call 1-800-889-0229 to register your opinions. If you do not know who your legislators are, the operators at the 1-800 number can tell you. The line is open from 7:00am until 7:00pm. (In Richmond, call 225-4973). If these bills are to stay alive, phone calls must be made this week! Ask your legislators to: SUPPORT HB234 - Hate Crimes Law Reform SUPPORT HB1468 - C.A.N. Law Reform. The operators are tallying the number of calls in support or opposition to each bill, and relaying a summary to all legislators. For this reason, it is imperative that we generate a large number of calls to all legislators. TELL YOUR FRIENDS! **************************************************** Virginians for Justice advances equal justice for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and those affected by the HIV epidemic, through the state's legislative, administrative and judicial systems. Virginians for Justice PO Box 342 Richmond, VA 23218-0342 804-643-4816