Equality for Gay and Lesbian Americans
Kenneth R. "Ken" Plum
 
        "There is now a national consensus behind recognizing same-sex relationships," according to Third Way, the self-described "leading think tank of the moderate wing of the progressive movement."  (www.thirdway.org)  According to polling conducted for Third Way, "76 percent of the country favors some form of legal recognition for gay and lesbian couples."  At the same time that Virginia and most recently California have passed measures defining marriage as being between a man and a woman, there is a quickly developing understanding that there needs to be a legal recognition of same-sex relationships.  The conversation needs to begin in Virginia on the subject.  Squeamish politicians can take comfort in knowing that in the four states where marriage equality has been debated the legislators voting for equality have all been re-elected.  While some will not be able to resist attempting to use the issue for political gain, such bigotry is proving less successful.
 
        Part of the shift in public opinion is coming about as a result of an understanding that the recognition of same-sex relationships does not change traditional marriage.  In fact, the polling cited above found that 83 percent of the persons in the middle on the issue think that the institution of marriage is facing problems with half labeling the problems as major.  The Third Way research found an important subtlety:  "When people felt that legal recognition for same-sex couples would change the definition of marriage, they were almost universally opposed.  When they felt it allowed gay people to join in the institution, they were almost universally supportive."
 
        In addition to recognizing same-sex relationships, the laws in Virginia and other states related to insurance benefits and property rights need to change.  Bills that would give partners access to medical insurance have been defeated in Virginia several times.  My bill that would give the Fairfax County Human Rights Commission authority to investigate complaints of discrimination based on sexual orientation has been defeated in a subcommittee at least five times.  The hate crimes bill I got passed years ago needs to be strengthened.  And bills that prevent employment discrimination based on sexual orientation need to be passed.
 
        As the most recent poll results indicate, public opinion is ahead of the politicians on equality issues for gay and lesbian Americans.  It is time for politicians to catch up!