Marriage Inequality
Amends
Article I. Bill of Rights
Section 15-A. Marriage
Summary
This measure defined marriage as existing only between a man and a woman. It was later overturned by the federal courts, although the language remains in the Constitution.
Shall Article I (the Bill of Rights) of the Constitution of Virginia be amended to state: “That only a union between one man and one woman may be a marriage valid in or recognized by this Commonwealth and its political subdivisions. This Commonwealth and its political subdivisions shall not create or recognize a legal status for relationships of unmarried individuals that intends to approximate the design, qualities, significance, or effects of marriage. Nor shall this Commonwealth or its political subdivisions create or recognize another union, partnership, or other legal status to which is assigned the rights, benefits, obligations, qualities, or effects of marriage.”?
Legislation
- First resolution – SJ337 – 2005
- Second resolution – HJ41 – 2006
- Referendum legislation – HB101 and SB526 – 2006
Article I. Bill of Rights
Section 15-A. Marriage
That only a union between one man and one woman may be a marriage valid in or recognized by this Commonwealth and its political subdivisions.
This Commonwealth and its political subdivisions shall not create or recognize a legal status for relationships of unmarried individuals that intends to approximate the design, qualities, significance, or effects of marriage. Nor shall this Commonwealth or its political subdivisions create or recognize another union, partnership, or other legal status to which is assigned the rights, benefits, obligations, qualities, or effects of marriage.
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/constitution/article1/section15-A/
