Charlottesville's City Council unanimously approved a resolution encouraging residents to vote against the Marshall-Newman Amendment -- commonly referred as the same sex"marriage amendment" -- last night.
The amendment defines marriage as being between a man and a woman. Critics allege that its passage would also restrict the rights of both gay and unmarried heterosexual couples.
The City Council's resolution states "the City of Charlottesville is committed to protecting the rights of all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or martial status."
The resolution notes that the marriage amendment involves all unmarried couples, which could have "unintended and unpredictable consequences."
Councilman Dave Norris said the City Council decided to speak on the issue because it was something that pertains to every Virginia resident.
"This issue directly affects us," Norris said.
Councilman Kevin Lynch noted the broad scope of the amendment.
"Calling this the 'marriage' amendment is really a misnomer," Lynch said. "What this is, is a 'stripping-rights-away' amendment."
Councilman Julian Taliaferro agreed and said, "I think it takes certain rights away from people."
Vice-Mayor Kendra Hamilton related the amendment to her personal experience.
"As you may have noticed, I am an African-American, and for many years it was illegal for black people to marry," Hamilton said. "There is no way with my personal history that I would say people shouldn't be allowed to marry."
Lynch said the amendment had a malicious subtext that should be added to the constitution.
"It is a mean-spirited amendment, Lynch said. "It was done with the express intent of disenfranchising."
Lynch also said the amendment could adversely affect him and his girlfriend of nine years, and put undue pressure on them to get married.
"I can put up with my mom nagging us to get married, but I cannot put up with the state nagging us to get married," Lynch said.
College Republicans Chair Amber VerValin disapproved of the City Council for speaking out against the amendment.
"I don't think that the city should take a position," VerValin said. "It's not their job."
Third-year College student Wyatt Fore supported the City Council resolution, stating that all communities should take a stand on the marriage amendment.
"I think it's great that Charlottesville is taking a stand," Fore said. "I would urge all others, including the University, to come out against it."
Norris said the board normally would not speak out about statewide issues but this was a special case.
"There are a few issues that really rise to the surface of us taking a stand," Norris said, noting that this amendment could seriously affect the people of Charlottesville.
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