All three of the proposed amendments are important, but we’re highlighting HJ9 because Virginia’s constitution currently contains a 2006 amendment that defines marriage as being between “one man and one woman”, which is currently unenforceable after the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2015 Obergefell decision. If the court were to overturn Obergefell, this clause would go into effect. With the U.S. House and Senate under Republican control, there is a reasonable concern that protections for marriage equality will go away.
Take Action
Contact your Delegate and Senator and tell them you support HJ9 and want Virginians to vote on the amendment. For reference, Senator Van Valkenberg (D) voted to pass in the Senate and Delegate Owen (R) did not vote (although he voted No on HJ1 and HJ2 that same day).
Sign up for newsletters from your delegate and senator – both of them publish weekly updates during the General Assembly and less frequently throughout the rest of the year.
Learn More
- VPM.org | Democrats win special elections in Northern Virginia, maintain legislative control
- VPM.org | Old and new ambitions at 2025’s Virginia General Assembly
- For a newsletter with broad coverage of the General Assembly from Virginia: Progressive Legislative Alert Network
