Gay Activists Urge Boycott of Virginia

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Gay Activists Urge Boycott of Virginia 06.11.04 (3:02 pm)   [edit] In a rare cut-and-paste moment, I'd like to draw attention to the unappealing sentiment this whole issue stirs up for me:[LINE] RICHMOND, Va. - Gay activists are urging a boycott of Virginia because of a new ban on civil unions and other marriage-like 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." Democratic Gov. Mark R. Warner 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. Republican Attorney General Jerry Kilgore has vowed to defend its constitutionality. The boycott Web site also targets companies that have contributed 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. [LINE] So, let's get this straight (not a pun, I promise)- because of an unsavory bill that somehow passed the legislature in Virginia (yes, my state of residency), gay activists propose a boycott of the entire state? That seems a bit extreme and unproductive to me. I understand the idea of not bringing revenue for something you do not support, but it just sounds silly to boycott a state. What's worse, however, is the response given by the bill's sponsor: "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." Talk about shallow and incompassionate. And I knew nothing of this act until reading this article- my will? I think not. But, other solutions would likely be more productive than to attack the state of Virginia itself and boycott such things as the anniversary of the Jamestown settlement- as far as I know, that has nothing to do with gay marriage. Instead, how about campaigning against those who created and passed the bill and drumming up support from the people they represent?   posted by: shimmer (reply) post date: 06.11.04 (12:31 pm) Virginia still beats Alabama any day of the week! I was recently there for my brother's wedding and have visited there many times. I have always found it to be gay friendly. I certainly won't ban the whole state because of this Haters info. If we stayed home and didn't spend money every day because of bans like this, we'd never get to leave the house! posted by: therealspartacus007 (reply) post date: 06.11.04 (1:09 pm) How about a "thank you" to spartacus for the article??? Anyway, I agree. This is akin, though on a smaller scale, to the people who hate America because of Bush, or the people who want to nuke the Middle East because of Al-Qaeda. posted by: DragonBait22 (reply) post date: 06.11.04 (1:14 pm) Reply to: therealspartacus007 THANK YOU, SPARTACUS. There, is that better? :P posted by: therealspartacus007 (reply) post date: 06.11.04 (2:06 pm) Reply to: DragonBait22 awww, :) You're Welcome posted by: RedTigress (reply) post date: 06.11.04 (2:32 pm) my bf was born in virginia. ... that's just a sidenote. this whole thing really leaves a bad taste in my mouth. posted by: juniperflux (reply) post date: 06.13.04 (6:17 am) The reaction of the bill's sponsor is pretty much what I would expect. I think I have said this before when commenting here, but articles like this always illuminate for me what I consider to be the great hypocrisy of the republican party: Much of the republican party platform is based on the concept of small government. But by small government what they really mean is a government big enough to mandate gun ownership and the death penalty but small enough to fit into your bedroom. It's sickening. posted by: jimmytherighteous (reply) post date: 06.16.04 (3:42 pm) I don't dig boycotts on whole states by any means. Well, there are a few I avoid. Anyhow, it's not a novel idea. Georgia was under official boycott by the NAACP until they removed the Confederate flag from their state banner. posted by: DragonBait22 (reply) post date: 06.16.04 (6:59 pm) Reply to: jimmytherighteous Lol, do you avoid Virginia? It really is for lovers- just as long as you aren't gay or having sex with a minor (did you hear about the billboards?). posted by: DragonBait22 (reply) post date: 06.16.04 (7:00 pm) Reply to: juniperflux It definitely is sickening. I should write a nice little letter to the sponsor of the bill... posted by: DragonBait22 (reply) post date: 06.16.04 (7:01 pm) Reply to: shimmer Yeah, I disagree with the legislation, but boycotting the entire state is not a reasonable solution to the problem. posted by: VaGay (reply) post date: 07.07.04 (4:12 am) I'm a Virginian and understand that a boycott of Virginia could hurt me, but I'm still in favor of it. The haters think that gays are week and powerless pansies. They totally ignore the benefits that gays bring to our society. I think it is time for companies like J. Crew and AOL to speak out on behalf of one of their most loyal constituencies. Yes. Boycott Virginia. I agree, however, that if you simply boycott Virginia without writing letters to companies and state agencies to let them know of your action, then you probably have not really made a significant statement. Your Name: Your Comment:

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