Barbara and Tibby
I promised that I would keep you posted... Here's the release. If you want more info just leave me a note.
DOCUMENTARY TAKES ON VIRGINIA SAME-SEX UNION BAN
Screening Slated in District of HB751’s Chief Patron
The Welcoming Congregation Committee of the Bull Run Unitarian Universalist Church will host a documentary critical of Virginia HB751, a controversial law banning same-sex unions in Virginia. The screening will be held in Manassas, the hometown of the law’s Chief Patron, Delegate Robert Marshall.
“Barbara and Tibby: A Love Story in the Face of Hate” features a Fredericksburg lesbian couple leaving Virginia because the legal arrangements they’ve made to protect each other could be barred under HB751. Tibby relies on legal documents to ensure the medical care of her partner of nearly 40 years who has a brain aneurysm. Barbara remarks in the film, “I truly don’t know why people hate us. I really truly do not understand it.”
Following the 40-minute film, panelists will relate how HB751 has strained their own lives, families, and relationships. The speakers include: Suzanne Moe, the film’s creator; Gaye Adegbalola, blues musician and Black civil rights activist; Rev. Nancy McDonald; attorney Leila Kilgore; and several concerned Manassas residents.
HB751 voids “arrangement[s] between persons of the same sex purporting to bestow the privileges or obligations of marriage” (full text). Critics of the legislation contend it could be used to void powers of attorney, wills, medical directives, and property arrangements since these contracts grant rights automatically conferred in marriage (more on marriage rights).
Gov. Mark Warner had vetoed HB751, asserting to the Associated Press on April 16, 2004: “The ramifications of this could be enormous in terms of their ability to break apart business partnerships. It would move Virginia so far out of the mainstream that that’s not where I think we ought to be.” Despite the Governor’s objections, both Virginia houses passed the original broad language of the bill into law, just five days later.
A statewide coalition of over 70 organizations has joined together in opposition to the exclusionary law. The Stand Up for Equality Coalition includes churches, civil liberty organizations, social justice groups, and businesses. Companies such as the Acteon Multimedia Group joined the coalition, concerned HB751 would hinder employee recruitment and retention. In addition, the Virginia Education Association listed the repeal of HB751 as one of its ten legislative goals for 2005.
The documentary screening will take place on Friday, April 1, 2005 in the Fellowship Hall of the Bull Run Unitarian Universalist Church, 9350 Main Street in downtown Manassas. Doors open at 7pm for refreshments and social gathering. The film starts at 8pm. It is free and open to the public.
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Press coverage:
Local film addresses same-sex unions
Couple feels forced to leave
Film will be used to educate
Some choose to leave
The Welcoming Congregation Committee of the Bull Run Unitarian Universalist Church will host a documentary critical of Virginia HB751, a controversial law banning same-sex unions in Virginia. The screening will be held in Manassas, the hometown of the law’s Chief Patron, Delegate Robert Marshall.
“Barbara and Tibby: A Love Story in the Face of Hate” features a Fredericksburg lesbian couple leaving Virginia because the legal arrangements they’ve made to protect each other could be barred under HB751. Tibby relies on legal documents to ensure the medical care of her partner of nearly 40 years who has a brain aneurysm. Barbara remarks in the film, “I truly don’t know why people hate us. I really truly do not understand it.”
Following the 40-minute film, panelists will relate how HB751 has strained their own lives, families, and relationships. The speakers include: Suzanne Moe, the film’s creator; Gaye Adegbalola, blues musician and Black civil rights activist; Rev. Nancy McDonald; attorney Leila Kilgore; and several concerned Manassas residents.
HB751 voids “arrangement[s] between persons of the same sex purporting to bestow the privileges or obligations of marriage” (full text). Critics of the legislation contend it could be used to void powers of attorney, wills, medical directives, and property arrangements since these contracts grant rights automatically conferred in marriage (more on marriage rights).
Gov. Mark Warner had vetoed HB751, asserting to the Associated Press on April 16, 2004: “The ramifications of this could be enormous in terms of their ability to break apart business partnerships. It would move Virginia so far out of the mainstream that that’s not where I think we ought to be.” Despite the Governor’s objections, both Virginia houses passed the original broad language of the bill into law, just five days later.
A statewide coalition of over 70 organizations has joined together in opposition to the exclusionary law. The Stand Up for Equality Coalition includes churches, civil liberty organizations, social justice groups, and businesses. Companies such as the Acteon Multimedia Group joined the coalition, concerned HB751 would hinder employee recruitment and retention. In addition, the Virginia Education Association listed the repeal of HB751 as one of its ten legislative goals for 2005.
The documentary screening will take place on Friday, April 1, 2005 in the Fellowship Hall of the Bull Run Unitarian Universalist Church, 9350 Main Street in downtown Manassas. Doors open at 7pm for refreshments and social gathering. The film starts at 8pm. It is free and open to the public.
Press coverage:
Local film addresses same-sex unions
Couple feels forced to leave
Film will be used to educate
Some choose to leave
posted by Special Touch at
6:20 PM
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