Good stuff from the Virginia House Democratic Caucus:
| House Democratic Caucus Passes Constitutional Amendments to Safeguard Reproductive Rights, Marriage Equality, and Voting Rights |
| Richmond, VA — Today, the Virginia House Democrats took historic steps to secure the rights of all Virginians by passing three constitutional amendments that address critical freedoms and protections: reproductive rights, marriage equality, and the restoration of voting rights for returning citizens.
House Joint Resolution 1 (HJ1) proposes enshrining reproductive rights in the Virginia Constitution, marking a commitment to uphold personal healthcare autonomy and the freedom to make reproductive decisions without government interference. (HJ9) seeks to remove the state’s outdated ban on same-sex marriage and (HJ2) to guarantee the automatic restoration of voting rights for returning citizens. “Virginians elected a Democratic House Majority in 2023 because they trusted us to protect their rights. Passing these amendments brings us one step closer to safeguarding our fundamental freedoms—reproductive autonomy, marriage equality, and the right to vote—against those who seek to undermine them,” said Speaker Don Scott. “It’s no surprise that Republicans voted to block these amendments from going back to the voters, but their hypocrisy cannot be ignored. They claim to support states’ rights, so why are they blocking Virginians from having their voices heard? Trust the voters! We don’t get the final say—the people do. Let the people vote!” Protecting Reproductive Rights House Majority Leader Charniele Herring stated, “With the passage of HJ 1, Virginia has taken a decisive stand for bodily autonomy, affirming that everyone deserves access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare—including contraception, abortion, and IVF—based on their individual needs. These protections are vital in the absence of federal safeguards, ensuring that reproductive freedom is guaranteed now and for future generations, no matter the uncertainties at the national level or changes in the political landscape.” “The proposed amendment under HJ1 would embed the right to reproductive freedom within the Virginia Constitution. This amendment encompasses access to prenatal care, postpartum care, contraception, abortion care, miscarriage management, and infertility treatment. By securing these rights, HJ1 ensures healthcare decisions remain private and centered around individuals and their healthcare providers, free from unwarranted political intervention.” Repealing the Ban on Same-Sex Marriage The second amendment seeks to overturn Virginia’s constitutional ban on same-sex marriage and uphold the fundamental right to marriage, aligning the state’s laws with the values of inclusivity and equality. Although marriage equality is currently protected by federal law, the proposed amendment would ensure that all Virginians are treated equally under the state constitution. “Love is love, and now we’re one step closer to ensuring that our Constitution finally reflects that,” said Del. Mark Sickles.“By advancing the removal of the ban on same-sex marriage, civil unions and domestic partnerships, Virginians will be protected should the Supreme Court reverse its historic decision. Let’s let the voters decide this– I think they will affirm the dignity and rights of all couples and families in our Commonwealth.” Restoring Voting Rights for Returning Citizens The third amendment proposes automatic restoration of voting rights for returning citizens, fostering a more just and inclusive democracy. If passed, this amendment would empower returning citizens to participate fully in civic life without additional barriers. Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker commented, “The right to vote is fundamental, and Virginia is one step closer to eliminating barriers to democracy for returning citizens. By advancing this amendment to restore voting rights, we’re empowering more Virginians to have a voice in shaping their communities. This is about redemption, reintegration, and the belief in second chances. As the amendment moves to the Senate, we must remain committed to building a democracy that works for all its people, including those dedicated to rebuilding their lives.” “These proposed Constitutional Amendments demonstrate our commitment to protecting the rights of Virginians across the board—from reproductive autonomy to marriage equality to voting rights,” said Privileges and Elections Chair, Delegate Cia Price. “As we prepare for the next steps in the Senate, we look forward to working with our colleagues to pass these amendments and make Virginia a beacon of freedom, justice, and equality for all.” “Today, we’ve made history by voting to enshrine in Virginia’s Constitution protections for reproductive freedom, marriage equality for LGBTQ+ individuals, and the restoration of voting rights. These are not just policy victories—they are affirmations of the fundamental rights of all Virginians. I am proud that we are taking this important step to ensure that future generations of Virginians will be free to make their own choices, love who they love, and have their voices heard in our democracy. This is a win for justice and equality and the promise of a more inclusive Virginia for everyone,” said Chair Kathy Tran. |
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RELEASE: Virginia House Democrats Pass Constitutional Amendments on Reproductive Freedom, LGBTQ+ Protections, and Voting Rights
State legislative Democrats fight for progress despite obstruction from Republican governor and a now hostile federal government
WASHINGTON—Virginia Democrats today used their majority in the House of Delegates to pass three constitutional amendments that would enshrine abortion rights, secure marriage equality, and restore voting rights for people who have finished serving time for a felony. Progress on these issues is only possible after the DLCC and Virginia Democrats defended the one-seat majority in the House last week in a must-win special election. This builds on the monumental progress Virginia Democrats have prioritized since clinching legislative control in 2023 – from strengthening health care to bolstering the economy and public education– despite Republican Gov. Youngkin’s repeated obstruction.
As Republicans take full control in Washington next week, Democratic majorities in state legislatures like Virginia will be the most important counterweight to the incoming Trump administration. That’s precisely why the DLCC wasted no time in making a six-figure investment last month to build infrastructure ahead of when the entire House of Delegates will be on the ballot in November. The best defense against MAGA extremism is durable Democratic power in state legislatures, and Virginia is a top DLCC priority in 2025.
Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee Interim Communications Director Sam Paisley issued the following statement:
“It’s been one week since Virginia Democrats in the House of Delegates protected their one-seat majority, and already they have proven the impact of their power. The constitutional amendments passed today are just a snapshot of what Democrats prioritize when they control state legislatures – enshrining key rights couldn’t be more important as we prepare for the extremism of the incoming presidential administration. State legislatures will remain on the frontlines of every major policy fight, and protecting Democratic majorities is crucial.
“The DLCC looks forward to the impactful legislation the Democratic majorities will continue to pursue this session as we work to elect a Democratic trifecta in the commonwealth this November.”
The DLCC is the official arm of the Democratic Party with the sole mission of building Democratic power in the states and setting the national agenda at the state level. Over the last decade, we have fought cycle-over-cycle to gain a dozen new legislative chamber majorities and we are leading the effort to bring national attention and investment to our ballot level. State legislatures are the building blocks of our democracy and have the closest connections to Americans’ day-to-day lives. From protecting fundamental freedoms and voting rights to growing the middle class, the DLCC and state legislators are moving the Democratic agenda forward and shaping the future of this country.
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