Virginia Law - Governor Warner has taken a modest step towards helping gay people in Virginia by "amending" (i.e., editing by veto) the General Assembly's bitterly homophobic superDOMA. The version being sent back to the legislature still invalidates gay marriages and civil unions, but it no longer voids any "partnership contract or other arrangement" purporting to bestow the benefits of marriage. This is an important fix, since the original draft would arguably have abolished wills, living wills, custody agreements and possibly private DP benefits (to the extent those aren't already prohibited in Virginia).

It's a bit shocking to think such a restraint on contractual freedom is even constitutional, but it's better if it doesn't become law at all. It only takes a simple majority in both houses to override the "veto," so spread the word and contact your legislator. Click here to compose a message automatically.