RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The Virginia House of Delegates approved resolutions on Tuesday that aim to protect rights to abortion, voting, and marriage equality, marking a significant milestone for Democrats seeking to modify the state’s constitution in the coming year. The House, where Democrats hold a narrow 51-49 majority, moved forward with the three proposed constitutional amendments while similar resolutions progress through the Senate. Unlike regular bills, proposed constitutional amendments are not subject to gubernatorial vetoes. However, they must be passed twice within a span of two years, with a legislative election in between each passage, before the public can vote on them through a referendum.
If the abortion referendum succeeds, Virginia would become one of the few Southern states to follow the growing trend of placing reproductive rights-related questions on the ballot for voters to decide. Democratic Majority Leader Charniele Herring, who sponsored the abortion protection amendment, expressed confidence in Virginia voters, contrasting with the skepticism from the opposing party.
During a spirited debate, Republicans criticized the abortion protection amendment, which eventually passed along party lines. Republican Delegate Mark Earley argued that the resolution failed to acknowledge the sanctity of fetuses as created in the image of God. On the other hand, Democratic Delegate Candi Mundon King emphasized the importance of recognizing the well-being of women in life-threatening pregnancies, countering the arguments put forth by Republicans.
Since 2022, a total of 18 questions related to abortion rights have been presented to voters across the U.S., with voters favoring abortion rights advocates in 14 instances. Several states have approved constitutional amendments ensuring the right to abortion until fetal viability. Democratic lawmakers in Virginia emphasized the significance of these constitutional amendments as a central part of their legislative goals for the year, aiming to address historical inequalities in the state.
Lawmakers also passed a measure to revise the process of restoring voting rights for individuals with felony convictions in a bipartisan 55-44 vote. Democrats viewed this revision as a step toward rectifying disenfranchisement, particularly after the recent rollback by Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin of a process that allowed individuals to regain their civil rights after completing felony sentences. Virginia stands as the only state with a permanent ban on voting for anyone convicted of a felony unless the governor intervenes to restore their rights.
During a recent session on the Virginia House floor, Delegate Price emphasized the importance of focusing on the present rather than dwelling on the past. He pointed out the current governor’s perceived shortcomings in the restoration of rights compared to previous administrations, while also alluding to the impending presidency of Donald Trump, who has a history of legal issues. Price’s remarks drew attention to the ongoing debate surrounding the restoration of rights and the implications of having a president with a criminal record.
Efforts to introduce resolutions on various issues in 2022 and 2023 have faced challenges in the House, where the balance of power has favored Republicans in the past. The upcoming year is expected to be crucial in determining the fate of these resolutions, with Democrats needing to maintain their majority in the statehouse to secure passage. The upcoming elections will play a significant role in shaping the legislative landscape in Virginia.
Among the resolutions under consideration, the proposal to protect marriage equality garnered bipartisan support, reflecting a shift in public opinion on the issue. Delegate Sickles highlighted the evolving stance of Virginians on marriage equality, citing the example of former President Barack Obama’s changing views on the matter. The passage of this resolution signals a broader societal shift towards greater acceptance and inclusivity.
The discussions and debates unfolding in the Virginia House underscore the dynamic nature of politics and policy-making in the state. As lawmakers grapple with a range of pressing issues, including rights restoration and marriage equality, the outcomes of these deliberations will have far-reaching implications for Virginia residents. The intersection of political dynamics, public opinion, and legislative action shapes the evolving landscape of governance in the state.
Olivia Diaz, reporting for The Associated Press as part of the Report for America Statehouse News Initiative, provides valuable insights into the ongoing developments in Virginia politics. Through her reporting, Diaz sheds light on the complex interplay of factors influencing decision-making and policy outcomes in the state. Report for America’s mission to support local journalism and amplify undercovered issues is exemplified in Diaz’s thorough and informative coverage of the latest developments in Virginia’s legislative arena.
