THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, January 26, 1996 TAG: 9601260529
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Virginia News
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Short : 48 lines
A legislator wants Virginia to print warning labels on marriage license applications in an effort to cut down on spousal abuse.
Under the bill sponsored by Del. David Brickley, D-Prince William, the license application would contain the warning: ``The laws of the Commonwealth affirm your right to enter into this marriage as an equal partner and at the same time live within your marriage free from violence and abuse. Neither of you is the property of the other.''
The warning, suggested by an association of Virginia doctors, adds that Virginia laws concerning assault and battery, as well as sexual or physical abuse, apply to spouses.
``I'm hopeful that when a (future) husband and wife go to take that gigantic step and when they read this statement in bold print, they'll realize that being married means showing respect for each other and not beating the daylights out of her or him,'' Brickley said.
``For the truly violent person, it will not have any effect,'' Brickley said. But if the warning prevents one spousal beating, it would be worthwhile, he said. It may even keep a couple from walking down the aisle.
Not all agree.
Shirlie McQuinn, 43, and Jackie Evans, 46, were in Richmond Circuit Court on Wednesday to fill out an application for a marriage license.
It's understood that a husband should not beat his wife, and the warning should not be added to the application, Evans said.
Sen. Mark Earley, R-Chesapeake, says that, although he supports what Brickley is trying to do, he doesn't think a warning label is necessary.
If the application is going to contain that kind of warning, it might as well warn engaged couples about legalities involving child support and civil rights in divorce cases, Earley said.
Members of the Medical Society of Virginia, an association of 6,500 of Virginia's 14,000 licensed doctors, suggested the warning based on their consistent exposure to spousal abuse cases.
KEYWORDS: GENERAL ASSEMBLY MARRIAGE LICENSE by CNB