Why I chose Maryland over Virginia

Today the Commonwealth of Virginia's senate started proceedings that could by next year produce a vote to ban same-sex marriage in the state. Despite a few token protests by gay members of congress, the measure passed with ease, much like its counterpart in the House last week. Arguments to do so included protecting people from renegade judges. Freedom to chose who one wants to marry? Not important.

In unrelated news today, the Virginia senate voted down a measure that would have banned smoking in public places, a measure that's gained momentum in recent years with successful implementation in places such as California and New York City. The senators, taking a vote in a hall that has tobacco leaves etched into the ceiling's design, said they vetoed the measure because it would enfringe upon people's freedom of choice to smoke.

Huh.