Obviously this is a sensitive issue for many, and a change that will take time to be fully implemented in all of the United States.  That being said, Virginia must take action soon.  It will lose quality state employees if it lags too far "behind" other states in complying with the general trend toward overcoming preconceived notions in order to create fairness, even those who do not suffer from this particular problem of health insurance. 

For example, even though I am not gay or married, it makes me feel uncomfortable to know that I work for a state that hires people of all sexual orientation yet does not offer them all the same rights.  Instead of sending this mixed message, why not put it in the job description the fact that same-sex domestic partners don't receive the same rights, and you will lose half the applicants, not just the gay ones but also straight ones who don't want to be affiliated with such an institution.  If you are not willing to disclose that, well, then you have to be fair.

If VA is not yet ready to allow same sex marriages (it will happen at some point), can it at least come up with a way to qualify a same-sex couple as being virtually married so that they receive the same rights?  Our gay colleagues do just as much work as the straight ones if not more/better!