Democrats in control of Virginia’s Legislature are pushing to fulfill campaign promises, including making the state the first in the South to expand constitutional protections for abortion access. On Wednesday, the House Privileges and Elections Committee advanced three proposed constitutional amendments, including one to protect reproductive rights.
The committee also discussed efforts to repeal a now-defunct constitutional ban on same-sex marriage and overhaul Virginia’s process for restoring voting rights to those who have completed felony sentences. The moves come as Virginia’s Democrats seek to secure broader protections in response to ongoing threats to freedoms, as highlighted by committee chair Del. Cia Price.
The amendments, which will be up for debate in the House and Senate next year, are part of Democrats’ broader agenda.
However, the proposals have faced opposition from Republicans, including Minority Leader Todd Gilbert, who questioned the rush to introduce these measures before the legislative session. Despite this, the proposed amendments would bypass Governor Glenn Youngkin’s veto power, as constitutional amendments require two approvals from the General Assembly before going to a public vote.
While Virginia Democrats have faced pushback, they have gained bipartisan support for some proposals, including a bill to protect same-sex marriage, which passed with four Republican votes. If successful, the abortion amendment would align Virginia with a growing number of states expanding reproductive rights through voter referenda.
Peoplesmind
