On the Ballot: Marriage Equality in Virginia

Three proposed constitutional amendments for Virginia are on the ballot in November. If passed, each will positively impact Virginians in countless ways. Our previous article explained that HJR3 protects marriage equality in Virginia by doing three things:

…it amends the Virginia Constitution by repealing the former definition of marriage as being “between one man and one woman,” it prohibits the denial of marriage licenses to two adults lawfully seeking marriage “on the basis of the sex, gender or race of such persons,” and mandates the recognition of “any lawful marriage between two adult persons…regardless of the sex, gender or race of such persons.”

According to Delegate Mark Sickles (D-Alexandria), who sponsored HJ3, “By advancing the removal of the ban on same-sex marriages, civil unions and domestic partnerships, Virginians will be protected should the Supreme Court reverse” Obergefell.”

For coverage on HJR 3 from Virginians on both sides of the issue, watch Amending Virginia: Marriage Equality via VPM News.

Why protecting same-sex marriage is important

HJR 3 is about protecting our right to love and marry whom we please, free from government interference. It’s also about respect and dignity for all Virginians when they marry. According to Equality Virginia Executive Director Narissa Rahaman, “No family in Virginia should have to wonder whether their rights will be protected tomorrow, and no couple should have to question whether their marriage is viewed as less worthy than their neighbors.”

Chad Stewart told 10 On Your Side news that, “‘Marriage equality is what allows families like ours to navigate healthcare, school enrollment, parenting, and all the ordinary parts of life that come with making a home together.’” Chad is married to his husband, Blake McDonald, and their daughter makes three.

Virginia is home to the fifth largest LGBTQ+ population in the United States. Passing HJR 3 is an opportunity for Virginians to make our state more welcoming and inclusive for them. After all, “Virginia is for lovers.” Since taking office, Governor Abigail Spanberger has been leading the way on this issue. She signed the referendum to put HJR 3 on the ballot. She attended Virginia PrideFest, showing she’s a governor willing to stand beside LGBQT+ Virginians. And she ended a Youngkin-era rulemaking on transgender sports that would have targeted trans athletes.

If marriage rights are taken away from one group, then every Virginian’s marriage rights are at risk of disappearing. Vote YES on HJ3 so all Virginians can be free to love!