The CT hits the streets: Same-sex marriage in Virginia

Q1: Virginia senators passed an amendment 28-11 in the General Assembly that would prohibit same-sex marriages in Virginia. If passed at the House level, how important do you think it would be to Virginians?
Q2: How do you think attitudes toward same-sex marriage will change in five years?
Q3: If the amendment is passed, how do you think gays will be affected?
Q4: A passed amendment would also prohibit civil unions between same-sex couples. Should this provision be included in the amendment?
Q5: Some critics, including Gov. Tim Kaine, said the amendment could take away certain existing rights and privileges of unmarried couples, both gay and straight. If the amendment would deny some people these rights, do you think it should be changed?

Karen Farley, 20, sophomore international studies major

Q1: I think it’s a big topic.
Q2: In the past, civil rights have always progressed with time.
Q3: In a negative way.
Q4: Should not be included.
Q5: People have the right to choose who they want to spend the rest of their lives with.

Joshua Sudbeck, 23, senior biochemistry major

Q1: There are a lot of same-sex people in Virginia, even though I don’t know any statistics.
Q2: As people hear more about it, they’ll be more tolerant of it.
Q3: It’ll show that the states don’t promote equality.
Q4: It will further limit what gays can do.
Q5: It’s contradictory to the U.S. Constitution

Derek Price, 22, senior pre-physical therapy/health sciences major

Q1: This area doesn’t have many same-sex couples compared to other parts of the country.
Q2: There aren’t many people in between. Both sides are radical.
Q3: Gays will feel like they’re getting rights taken away.
Q4: I’m against it.
Q5: No, I don’t really agree with homosexuality.

Jessica Vinson, 33, senior pre-physical therapy/athletic training major

Q1: I have religious feelings. It’s important for the whole country, not just Virginia.
Q2: Five years isn’t a long time, but in 20 years it might change in a positive way because younger people are open-minded.
Q3: It’ll be the same as now.
Q4: A civil union is similar to common law marriage. I see it the same way. It’s similar enough to marriage.
Q5: No.

Emily Delayen, 26, senior mass communications major

Q1: Important.
Q2: Five years ago things were worse than today. We get progressive as we get older. Younger generations are more open-minded toward homosexuality.
Q3: It does nothing but show them that their government thinks they’re second-class citizens.
Q4: I’m for civil unions.
Q5: I don’t believe in denying people’s rights.

Tonya Smith, 22, senior education major

Q1: Somewhat. Same-sex couples feel the same need to get married as straight ones.
Q2: Most people stick with their beliefs over time.
Q3: Negatively. A lot of guys want the law to get passed.
Q4: Should be.
Q5: Not sure.