Virginia’s Democratic-controlled House advances 4 constitutional amendments

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Four proposed constitutional amendments advanced out of the Virginia House of Delegates on Wednesday following hours of public testimony.

Lawmakers said the amendments, passed by the Democratic-controlled House, address abortion access, redistricting, same-sex marriage and the restoration of voting and civil rights for felons.

If approved by the Senate, the measures would appear on a statewide referendum later this year.

"An abortion ... that is what saved my life," one Virginian said. "If I did not, my youngest, his brother and sister would have been motherless."

Others spoke in opposition.

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"I do oppose this amendment," another Virginian said. "God said there are six things he detests and the seventh he hates, and that is the shedding of innocent life."

Most Republican leaders oppose the abortion amendment, while Democratic leaders argue it is necessary to protect access in the Commonwealth, as it currently has the least restrictive abortion laws in the South. This amendment was advanced out of the House.

Lawmakers also clashed over House Joint Resolution 4, which would allow the General Assembly to redraw congressional districts before the 2026 congressional elections. The amendment would expire in 2030 and would not affect state legislative district lines.

"In 2020, nearly two-thirds of Virginia told us they wanted politics out of our map-making," said one Republican lawmaker. "Why would we reverse course now?"

The amendment also advanced out of the House despite the controversy.

"It’s time to let the voters decide the exact opposite of disenfranchisement," said Del. Marcia Price (D–Newport News)

The final two amendments approved Wednesday -- House Joint Resolutions 2 and 3 - would remove Virginia’s 2006 constitutional ban on same-sex marriage and automatically restore voting rights to felons after they complete their sentences.

All four amendments now move to the Senate. If passed, they can be placed before voters in a statewide referendum later this year.