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Public Advocate Helps Defend Virginia Ban Against Same Sex Civil Unions

(Winchester, Va.)
Tuesday, August 24, 2004, 3:00 P.M.

Public Advocate of the United States, www.publicadvocate.org, a
pro-family group based in Northern Virginia, has provided technical
assistance on constitutional and Virginia law relating to homosexual
rights, in a case now pending in Circuit Court in Winchester, Virginia.

At 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 26, the Virginia Circuit Court heard
arguments in a dispute between Lisa Miller, a former lesbian, and her
ex-partner, Janet Jenkins, who is suing for joint custody of Miller's
daughter who was born while the couple were together.

According to court documents, published accounts and other legal
reports, Ms. Miller conceived through artificial insemination during the
relationship and her daughter was born while the couple was living in
Virginia. Ms. Jenkins never sought to legally adopt Isabella, and the
child has resided continuously in VA since September of 2003. Earlier,
the Virginia couple had traveled to Vermont to enter into a civil union,
because such unions are not recognized under Virginia law.

This case could set the stage for a battle to test whether states such
as Virginia will have to recognize the civil unions and gay marriages
entered into in other states such as Vermont and Massachusetts. If
courts decide that the Full Faith and Credit clause of the U.S.
Constitution applies to these relationships, then states will be unable
to refuse to recognize them.

"This case could prove one of the most important in Virginia, and maybe
the nation's history for the pro-family movement," stated Eugene
Delgaudio, President of Public Advocate.

"If Ms. Miller loses full custody of her daughter then the American
family will lose its cherished right of self-governance. Judges in
Massachusetts and liberals in Vermont will be dictating family policy
to families throughout America. It is a second wave of assault on the
family, by attempting to export the homosexual lifestyle and policies
otherwise not sanctioned in Virginia," Delgaudio continued.

"I thank my supporters who contacted Public Advocate, and commend Ms.
Miller for her bravery and fortitude in taking this stand, and thank
other supporters who have come foreward to help make it possible for
Public Advocate to respond to this threat. I wish to encourage continued
public support of our programs. Public Advocate will continue to fight
to see to it that the rights of Ms. Miller and the rights of the
American family are protected," Delgaudio concluded.

Copies of the legal briefs will be posted as they become available.

Public Advocate has been fighting for the American Family for over 25
years, and is exempt from federal taxation under IRC section 501(c)4.
Contributions or gifts to Public Advocate are not tax-deductible.