The major organization opposing a proposed constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriages in Virginia has outraised the best-known proponents of the amendment, reports filed yesterday show.

The Commonwealth Coalition reported raising $315,240, including $122,171 raised before the start of the July 1 reporting period, according to reports filed with the State Board of Elections.

Va4Marriage, an organization created to support the amendment, reported raising $155,269. The bulk of that money, $100,000, came from Dr. John M. Templeton Jr., a retired pediatric surgeon from Bryn Mawr, Pa., and the son of a wealthy mutual-fund financier, Sir John Templeton. A Web site shows that the younger Templeton is interested in promoting scientific and religious knowledge.

Under a state law that took effect July 1, groups active in referendum campaigns have to file fundraising and spending reports with the State Board of Elections for the period from July 1 to Aug. 31.

The referendum on whether to ban same-sex marriages will be on the Virginia ballot Nov. 7. Recent polls show a majority of Virginians supporting the gay marriage ban.

Of the coalition's total, $50,000 came from the Richmond-based Weinstein Foundation, which has pledged a gift of $100,000. Gasta?aga said Equality Virginia, a founding partner of the referendum committee, donated about $50,000 in in-kind contributions, mostly staff help.

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