The culture gap between Maryland and Virginia is wider than the Potomac River that splits them, with a myriad of diverging laws -- from gun bans to speed cameras and immigration policies -- keeping liberals on the Maryland side and conservatives on the Virginia bank. under any circumstance, leave the friendly ideological confines of their community for the "backwoods" of Virginia or "nanny state" of Maryland. "A number of my friends told me that Republicans lived in Virginia and Democrats lived in Maryland," Whit Ayres said of his decision to move his polling firm from Atlanta to Alexandria instead of Maryland in 2003. "I began to question our decision when I saw more Kerry signs than Bush signs. But that's nothing compared to Maryland. The closest you will see Republicans to that area is Capitol Hill." New census figures, however, show Virginia, like Maryland, is becoming more diverse -- a trend that analysts predict could lead the Old Dominion into less conservative policies. But for now, state laws showcase the clear distinction between the two areas. With recent Democratic gains in the General Assembly, Maryland appears poised to join the District and five other states in allowing gay marriage. Meanwhile, Virginia's constitutional amendment enshrining marriage as a union between a man and a woman is essentially cemented. "I think we have a conundrum in that localities like Arlington, Alexandria and Fairfax are very welcoming, diverse communities but state laws are not friendly," said openly gay Del. Adam Ebbin, a Democrat who represents all three jurisdictions. "The tide has not yet turned in Virginia and it's having a disturbing effect." John Clisham, an Arlington County Public Schools counselor, is among those who left the Old Dominion, saying its laws "pretty much put children out of the equation." Instead, he moved to the District, where he is raising two adopted Vietnamese boys with his partner. But Manassas gun shop owner Bernie Conatser is not leaving Virginia anytime soon. The state places fewer restrictions on handguns and even allows those with concealed-weapon permits to carry guns in bars as long as they don't drink alcohol -- cited by multiple Marylanders as enough reason to stay away from the state. "I wouldn't even try a similar type of operation over there," Conatser said. "Our business would take a hit to say the least. We sell a lot of handguns that wouldn't be approved in Maryland." And while Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and local lawmakers push for statewide enforcement of a federal program that cracks down on illegal immigrants,
Montgomery and Prince George's counties have resisted similar efforts. Still, for many residents, choosing between Maryland and Virginia is less about politics than way of life. "There is no way I would ever live in Northern Virginia," said Anne Ambler, former president of Montgomery County's Sierra Club. "Just go out into our Agricultural Reserve and then look at what's on the other side of the river. It's just rampant overdevelopment." Nearly 40 percent of Montgomery County is reserved for parkland and open space. But in lieu of trees and green space, Northern Virginia offers businesses lower tax rates and other incentives, as evidenced by a wave of recent corporate relocations to the area. "I'd be lying if I told you I haven't thought about moving to Virginia," said Mark Scott, president of a remodeling business in Bethesda. "There is no debating that it is more business-friendly over there. We have more of a white wine and brie mentality here."
Or so it would seem when talking to the devout defenders of their neighborhoods, insistent that they would never, ever,
Culture rift
Gay marriage: Maryland is on the verge of allowing same-sex marriage, with a recent spike in Democratic lawmakers. The state currently offers protections to domestic partners, including hospital visitation and the right to add a partner's name to a deed of residence. Virginia doesn't recognize same-sex marriage or civil unions.
Immigration: Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and state legislators are pushing for enforcement of an immigration program that deputizes local law enforcement officers to enforce certain immigration laws. And a growing number of jurisdictions are fingerprinting all inmates, which has led to an uptick in deportations. Other than Frederick County, Maryland jurisdictions in the Washington area have not adopted similar programs.
Driving: Virginia allows drivers older than 18 to talk on their cell phones but bans all texting while behind the wheel. In Maryland, residents can use only hands-free devices while driving.
Smoking: Virginia just recently enacted a smoking ban in restaurants that had been in place in Maryland for years.
Gun control: It is far easier to obtain a gun in Virginia than Maryland, and the commonwealth allows a variety of handguns banned in Maryland. Virginians are permitted to carry guns in bars as long as they are not drinking.
Culture clash: Marylanders, Virginians loathe to cross the Potomac
February 05, 2011 -- 8:05 PM
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Brian
Hughes
Examiner Staff Writer
