virginia We are about to take a historic step towards enshrining them together. marriage equality The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved a measure to repeal the state’s ban on same-sex marriage, which is enshrined in the state constitution. Marriage equality is protected by the federal government under a 2015 Supreme Court ruling; Obergefell vs. Hodges And the President signed the Respect for Marriage Act of 2022. joe bidenthis move addresses concerns about the potential threat to . LGBTQ+ Considering the rights; of the United States Supreme Court increasingly conservative stance.
Related: Virginia’s LGBTQ+ advocates and allies come together to celebrate 10 years of marriage equality
The amendment would repeal outdated language in the Virginia Constitution that prohibits same-sex marriage. The language was added in 2006, at a time when there was widespread opposition. LGBTQ+Rights in the Commonwealth. This move to repeal reflects a major shift in public opinion. 2021 public opinion poll A survey by the Public Religion Research Institute found that 71 percent of Virginians support the right to marry for same-sex couples. A 2024 Gallup Poll found that 69 percent of Americans nationwide support marriage equality. public opinion poll.
The political climate in Virginia is a key factor in moving this amendment forward. Although the election was close, Democrats currently hold slim majorities in both chambers of the General Assembly, 51-49 in the House and 21-19 in the Senate. Those majorities were preserved and blocked in a special election earlier this year. republican party Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s ability to pursue a conservative legislative agenda, including potential restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights;
Related: Virginia Democrats move to amend state constitution to protect marriage equality
Associated Press report He said the amendment is part of a broader effort to codify marriage equality, reproductive rights and voting rights protections into the Virginia Constitution. The process would require approval from both chambers this year and again in 2026, followed by a statewide referendum. If successful, Virginia would join other states in aggressively defending rights that are currently viewed as increasingly vulnerable. political climate.
According to The Movement Project found that 25 states still have unenforceable laws or proposed constitutional amendments banning marriage for same-sex couples, and five others have laws or proposed constitutional amendments banning it. do.
Source: Advocate.com – www.advocate.com
