CONTACTAbout UsCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2025 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
Gay activists in Richmond, Va., are urging a boycott of the state because of a new ban on civil unions and other partnership arrangements for same-sex couples. VirginiaIsforHaters.org urges people not to buy products or services from Virginia-based companies and suggests tourists visit other states. The name is a play on the state tourism motto, "Virginia is for lovers." Another group, Make Love Legal, is developing strategies for boycotting the 400th anniversary celebration of the founding of Jamestown in 2007. "This whole idea is: Don't spend your money in a place where people hurt you," said Diane Horvath, a Richmond attorney who is spearheading the Jamestown initiative. The state's Affirmation of Marriage Act, which prohibits gay marriage, was amended this year to also ban civil unions and arrangements "purporting to bestow the privileges of marriage." Gays fear it may interfere with legal contracts, such as powers of attorney, medical directives, and wills. "This is a national issue," said Jay Porter of Seattle, who with his partner created the boycott Web site. "Someone came up with this really punitive legislation and got it through the state legislature, and in my mind, that could happen just about anywhere in the U.S." The bill's sponsor, Republican delegate Robert Marshall, said he believes the threat of economic harm to Virginia is remote. "If they don't like the expression of the will of the people of Virginia, they don't have to come here," he said. "This was done by freely elected representatives." Gov. Mark R. Warner, a Democrat, tried to amend the bill to make it less restrictive, but lawmakers rebuffed his attempts by veto-proof margins. "Governor Warner has devoted considerable time and effort to promoting Virginia tourism, and this certainly will not help," said Warner spokesman Kevin Hall. The new ban takes effect July 1, and gay rights group Equality Virginia plans a legal challenge. Atty. Gen. Jerry Kilgore, a Republican, has vowed to defend the measure's constitutionality. The boycott Web site also targets companies that have contributed to Marshall's campaign, including Altria Group Inc., parent company of tobacco giant Philip Morris. Altria spokesman David Sylvia said his company contributes to both Democrats and Republicans and offers domestic-partner benefits to employees. Another targeted company is clothing retailer J. Crew, which has a distribution and customer service center in the state and, according to the boycott organizers, many gay customers. A company representative declined to comment.
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
31 Period Films of Lesbians and Bi Women in Love That Will Take You Back
December 09 2024 1:00 PM
18 of the most batsh*t things N.C. Republican governor candidate Mark Robinson has said
October 30 2024 11:06 AM
True
After 20 years, and after tonight, Obama will no longer be the Democrats' top star
August 20 2024 12:28 PM
Trump ally Laura Loomer goes after Lindsey Graham: ‘We all know you’re gay’
September 13 2024 2:28 PM
These 15 major companies caved to the far right and stopped DEI programs
January 24 2025 1:11 PM
True
Latest Stories
DOJ drops suit alleging Utah discriminated against trans inmate
February 12 2025 6:56 PM
Army memo sends mixed signals to transgender service members
February 12 2025 5:42 PM
Elon Musk and Sam Altman are fighting — The billionaire beef explained, plus the funniest moments
February 12 2025 4:37 PM
New Hampshire student athletes move to challenge Trump's anti-trans sports order
February 12 2025 4:16 PM
Trump’s Department of Education wants NCAA to strip awards, records from trans student-athletes
February 12 2025 2:47 PM
Indiana State University sued for blocking LGBTQ+ Pride festival
February 12 2025 12:59 PM
Opinion: Donald Trump and Elon Musk are just childish bullies
February 12 2025 12:12 PM