West Virginia Delegate John Doyle has
said he plans to introduce a bill that would recognize gay and
lesbian couples with civil unions.
On Thursday, the 69-year-old Doyle said
he would not seek re-election next year after nearly 20 years of
service.
“I have represented the 57th
House of Delegates district for the last 19 years and I have decided
not to run for reelection,” he said, WEPM
Radio News reported.
Doyle did not say what was next for
him: “I love the Legislature. I'd love to stay in it, but there
are some other things I want to do and I think I better get to them
while I still have a good bit of energy.”
He added that he would sponsor a civil
unions bill during the upcoming legislative session.
“I'm not going to introduce a gay
marriage bill simply because it has no chance of passing the West
Virginia Legislature. We just might be able to get a civil union
bill through, so I'm going to give it a shot.”
If approved, West Virginia would join
Rhode Island, New Jersey, Hawaii, Illinois and Delaware in offering
the union. Lawmakers in Colorado are also expected to debate the
issue next year.