Pic Of The Moment: Clinton/Kaine 2016!

[Amimnoch]

77. Relevant information that should be pointed out:

I agree with you that pointing out history is the way to discuss.

There are a few more things on that awful amendment that should be pointed out as well:
1. Then Governor Kaine didn't sign the Amendment into law (is intimated up above). He signed SB526 for the amendment to be put on the November Ballot. This Bill submitted by the Virginia legislature was absolutely, 100% veto-proof. Up to the point that SB526 was voted and placed before him, he'd stated that he would veto it and worked against it. This energized the heavily Republican legislature against him to make certain the bill was veto proof.
2. The bill, as written was one the worst and most awful bill ever written to date with regards to LGBT marriage rights. It took the additional steps of disenfranchising alternative legal methods that couples could use. It nullified medical power of attorney, living wills, last wills, DNR orders in any situation where the Dr., or attorneys felt that the documents were drawn up in a manner to simulate marriage rights.. REALLY horrendous bill.
3. As bad as that language was, if Governor Kaine had gone ahead and Vetoed the bill, knowing that the numbers were there for a Veto Override, it would have empowered the state legislature to change the language and make it even worse. That threat was there.
4. Even though he did sign and put it on the ballot, Governor Kaine DID actively campaign against the measure all the way up to the November election where the people of Virginia passed it by 59% making it a ratified amendment.

Even as a gay man myself, in a marriage that I'm proud is finally legally recognized by my country, I have to say back then, had I been in Governor Kaine's seat.. I'd have signed SB526 as well in that environment.

I won't criticize those who have issue with Kaine for his part in amendment either. Much as I do think he did what he had to do, it is still his signature on an awful document that is definitely on the wrong side of history. I do think they should look at the whole picture and consider the environment of the time though.