azurelunatic | In which the state of Virginia goes to Hell in a handbasket, starting July 1.

Virginia just passed the "Marriage Affirmation Act." Not only does it ban gay marriage or civil union, and ban recognizing gay marriages or civil unions performed in other states, but it bans any "partnership contract or other arrangements that purport to provide the benefits of marriage."

~~What benefits are those? Well, the bill's pretty clear about that.~~ ETA: Reading through it again, it's not actually out on the table in plain English. But this particular language probably means the following, according to the lawyers looking at the bill:

Powers of attorney. Custody arrangements. Health insurance coverage for same-sex domestic partners. Joint ownership of property. And--most sickeningly--wills leaving property to a same-sex partner.

It means that starting July 1, when this bill goes into effect, anyone who dies with a will that leaves their property to their same-sex partner can be treated as if they died without a will. Their property goes to their blood relatives. Don't have any? Sorry, your property's forfeit to the state of Virginia.

None of the words I have right now are properly ferocious and outraged. I am glad that I am not local enought to be capable of assault.

In which the state of Virginia goes to Hell in a handbasket, starting July 1.

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