Early returns from the Old Dominion: Gay marriage ban passes

By Nancy Jane Moore

The contested Congressional races here in the mid-Atlantic region are too close to call, but unfortunately the pattern is clear on the gay marriage ban in Virginia: It's going to pass easily. Right now it's passing by 58 to 42 percent, with 76 percent of the vote counted.

This law apparently forecloses even civil unions. Here's what the amendment says:

That only a union between one man and one woman may be a marriage valid in or recognized by this Commonwealth and its political subdivisions.

This Commonwealth and its political subdivisions shall not create or recognize a legal status for relationships of unmarried individuals that intends to approximate the design, qualities, significance, or effects of marriage. Nor shall this Commonwealth or its political subdivisions create or recognize another union, partnership, or other legal status to which is assigned the rights, benefits, obligations, qualities, or effects of marriage.

The Virginia Senate race is still too close to call at a little before 10 PM: 50 percent for Allen the Republican, 49 percent for Webb the Democrat. Stay tuned.