VA Senate Democrats Introduce Constitutional Amendments to Protect Fundamental Rights (Voting, Marriage Equality, Reproductive Freedom)

From the VA Senate Democratic Caucus:

Senate Democrats Introduce Constitutional Amendments to Protect Fundamental Rights

RICHMOND  – Today, Virginia State Senators Mamie E. Locke, Adam Ebbin, and Jennifer Boysko introduced significant constitutional amendments aimed at safeguarding fundamental rights and strengthening our democracy. These three constitutional amendments have been filed as Senate Joint Resolutions, covering critical issues including voter qualifications, marriage equality, and reproductive rights.

SJ 2 – Senator Locke: Constitutional Amendment Regarding Voter Qualifications
Senator Locke’s proposed amendment seeks to clarify the qualifications for voting in Virginia, ensuring that all citizens eligible to vote are fully protected under the state’s constitution. The amendment also addresses the exclusion of certain individuals, reaffirming the right of all Virginians to participate in the electoral process unless explicitly prohibited by law.

SJ 11 – Senator Ebbin: Constitutional Amendment on Marriage Equality
Senator Ebbin’s resolution would protect marriage as a union between two individuals, regardless of gender, sex, religion, or other factors. This constitutional amendment seeks to uphold marriage equality for all Virginians, reflecting the Commonwealth’s commitment to fairness, equality, and the protection of individual rights.

SJ 1 – Senator Boysko: Constitutional Amendment Ensuring Reproductive Freedom
Senator Boysko introduced a proposed amendment to protect the fundamental right to reproductive freedom and bodily autonomy in the Virginia State Constitution. This would guarantee individuals’ rights to make personal reproductive health decisions without government interference.

Virginia Senate Democrats issued the following statement:

“Senate Democrats have taken the first step towards ensuring the fundamental rights of all Virginians. These constitutional amendments represent our commitment to safeguard reproductive freedom, protecting the sacred right to vote, and ensuring marriage equality. We made a solemn promise to the people of Virginia that these vital protections would receive full consideration beginning in 2025. Senate Democrats stand united in our resolve to enshrine these essential rights in our Commonwealth’s founding document, ensuring that future generations of Virginians will have these freedoms permanently protected under law.”

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