Family Foundation Hopes to Reduce Divorce in Virginia
posted 10:58 am Mon July 23, 2007 - Norfolk, VA
The commission first met July 12, and includes academics as well as religious leaders, said Victoria Cobb, the foundation's executive director.
Attorney General Bob McDonnell and Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling have appointed representatives to the commission.Gov. Timothy M. Kaine likely will do the same, said Kevin Hall, the governor's spokesman.
The commission aims to have a list of proposals for lawmakers before the next General Assembly session, starting in January.
The panel will not try to curb all divorce, Cobb said. "There's no question that some people are going to get divorced, no matter what," she said. "But the law can providespeed bumps."
In 2004 there were 3.7 divorces per 1,000 people nationally and 7.8 marriages per 1,000, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.
That year in Virginia, there were 3.9 divorces per 1,000 people and 8.3 marriages per 1,000. "Everyone agrees there is a problem, and no one is attempting to solve it," said Cobb, who was frustrated by the legislature's failure this year to pass any of a half-dozen bills on marriage and divorce, including one promoted by her group.
For instance, two proposals seeking study of the impact of no-fault divorce on marriage died in the General Assembly this year.
Cobb's group spent last year urging voters to support a constitutional amendment that would block same-sex marriages in the commonwealth.
The amendment passed, despite vocal opposition from gay rights activists.
Cobb said she agreed with one point made by amendment opponents: "Considering the high rate of divorce, heterosexuals haven't done a very good job with marriage."
The Family Foundation Marriage Commission will hold a closed meeting again in September.
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Information from: The Virginian-Pilot
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