Good news from the Virginia Senate Democratic and Virginia House Democratic caucuses:
Securing Another Win for Virginians: Constitutional Amendments Passed Both Chambers
RICHMOND, V.A. — Today, three constitutional amendments introduced and passed by the Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus have also passed in the Virginia House of Delegates. These amendments are aimed at safeguarding the fundamental rights and freedoms of all Virginians. Filed as Senate Joint Resolutions, they address critical issues, including voter qualifications, marriage equality, and reproductive rights.
• Senate Joint Resolution 247 (SJ 247) guarantees the fundamental right to reproductive freedom and bodily autonomy in Virginia, ensuring individuals can make personal reproductive health decisions without government interference.
• Senate Joint Resolution 248 (SJ 248) clarifies voter qualifications in Virginia, ensuring that all eligible citizens are fully protected under the state constitution.
• Senate Joint Resolution 249 (SJ 249) affirms marriage as a union between two individuals, regardless of gender, sex, religion, or other factors. This resolution reinforces Virginia’s commitment to marriage equality and the protection of individual rights.
The Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus has issued the following statement:
“By passing these three constitutional amendments in both the Senate and House chambers, we are ensuring that the values of fairness, equality, and personal freedom are upheld in our Commonwealth. Senate Democrats are removing remnants of Jim Crow from Virginia’s Constitution, protecting the reproductive health of women and girls, and safeguarding marriage equality. Today, Virginia Democrats delivered. These amendments reflect the values of freedom we hold dear, and today’s passage marks the beginning of the process to give Virginia voters the opportunity to affirm these cherished rights.”
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| Virginia House Democratic Caucus Celebrates Historic Passage of Constitutional Amendments Protecting Reproductive Rights, Marriage Equality, and Voting Rights |
| RICHMOND, VA — Today, the Virginia General Assembly took a historic step toward safeguarding Virginians’ fundamental rights by advancing constitutional amendments that protect reproductive freedom, marriage equality, and voting rights. With both chambers having passed these measures, Virginia moves closer to ensuring that these essential freedoms are not subject to shifting political tides but are permanently enshrined in the Commonwealth’s Constitution. This milestone reinforces the promise that every Virginian—regardless of who they are or where they live—can make personal decisions about their bodies, marry whom they love, and have their voice heard at the ballot box.
“Virginians elected a Democratic House Majority in 2023 because they trusted us to pass these amendments, and we’ve delivered, passing them in both chambers,” said House Democratic Speaker Don Scott. “But the work doesn’t stop here. We must win in November, pass them again, and send them to the voters. Let the people decide. Let us safeguard our fundamental rights—reproductive autonomy, marriage equality, and the right to vote—against those who seek to undermine them.” “This is a proud and historic moment for Virginia,” said House Democratic Leader Charniele Herring. “With these amendments, we are taking decisive action to protect reproductive freedom, affirm the right to marry who you love, and strengthen access to the ballot box. While today is a victory, our work continues to ensure these protections are permanently enshrined in Virginia’s Constitution.” “Our fundamental rights should not be undermined by political winds,” said House Democratic Chair Kathy Tran. “Today’s vote sends a clear message that Democrats are committed to protecting reproductive rights, marriage equality, and voting access for all Virginians.” Next Steps These constitutional amendments will now move to the next phase of the process, requiring approval by the General Assembly again in 2026 before being placed on the ballot for Virginians to vote on in November of that year. |
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