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Changes in Mainstream Thought?
Picking up on a point Ty made a few days ago -- talking about the upswing in agitation and support for the rights of gays to "Marry" or at least enter into civil unions with all of the rights appurtaining thereto :
I saw mention of this in the paper today, reflecting two "victories" for gay rights in the Commonwealth of Virginia -- a very conservative state.
(a) The Virginia House of Delegates (lower body -- more conservative) -- passed legislation which would _permit_ private employers to offer health insurance benefits to the same sex partners of employees. The bill passed 50-49 (with support from some Republicans). The same bill died last year in committee.
(b) The House of Delegates also rejected legislation which would have excluded same-sex and unmarried folks from participating in a state-subsidized mortgege loan program. This bill was rejected 54-44. (The "no" votes were not all motivated by support for gay rights.)
This same body last week passed a bill reaffirming the Commonwealth's ban on gay marriage.
So . . . I think that these votes reflect shifting opinions in "Mainstream" society, and provide a decent snapshot of the debate -- although I find it remarkable that a bill almost passed which would have forbidden employers from offering whatever health benefits they choose.
S_A_M
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"Courage is the price that life extracts for granting peace."
Voted Second Most Helpful Poster on the Politics Board.
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