Date: Sun, 6 Mar 1994 15:23:00 EDT From: Song Weaver Subject: Virginia GOP leader on D.P. benefits The following is the contents of a letter written recently by S. Vance Wilkins, Jr., Republican Leader in the Virginia House of Delgates. It was sent to a senior administrator at the College of William and Mary, where the faculty recently declared its support for the extension of health benefits to include partners of gay and lesbian employees. Copies of the letter were also sent to administrators at other state colleges and universities in Virginia. Dear _______ News reports have it that the faculty of the College of William and Mary and other faculty at several state-supported colleges and universities favor extending state health benefits to the homosexual partners of some faculty members. This proposal supports and encourages an illegal activity under the Code of Virginia. At a time when some state institutions of higher educaton are seeking more autonomy, we find this attempt at skirting the law particularly offensive. It fails to demonstrate sound judgement! Virginia's government is not in the business of subsidizing law breaking. Accordingly, an amendment to the state budget will be offered on the floor of the House of Delegates to specify that health benefits for state employees' dependents will continue to be extended solely to legally recognized spouses and dependents. Virginia taxpayers will not be called on to pay for the health risks incurred in so-called "same-sex marriages", no will we condone such activity or allow it to permeate our college campuses. College campuses ought to be unique places where young people are encouraged toward civic virtue. At a minimum, your faculty ought to comport themselves in accordance with state law. Any further faculty position taken to undermine the traditional family value structure will fall on deaf ears in the Republican Caucus. We expect you to get your house in order. Yours truly, S. Vance Wilkins, Jr. Mr Wilkins' address is: Minority Leader House of Delegates Richmond, VA 23219 Phone: (804) 786-1618 Fax: (804) 786-6310