CHAPTER 517
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 582
Proposing an amendment to Section 15-A of Article I of the Constitution of Virginia, relating to marriage; repeal of same-sex marriage prohibition; affirmative right to marry.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 4, 2021
Agreed to by the Senate, February 19, 2021
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, a majority of the members elected to each house agreeing, That the following amendment to the Constitution of Virginia be, and the same hereby is, proposed and referred to the General Assembly at its first regular session held after the next general election of members of the House of Delegates for its concurrence in conformity with the provisions of Section 1 of Article XII of the Constitution of Virginia, namely:
Amend Section 15-A of Article I of the Constitution of Virginia as follows:
ARTICLE I
BILL OF RIGHTS
Section 15-A. Marriage Fundamental right to marry.
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 the right to marry is a fundamental right, inherent in the
liberty of persons, and marriage is one of the vital personal rights essential
to the orderly pursuit of happiness.
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 and
agents shall issue marriage licenses, recognize marriages, and treat all
marriages equally under the law regardless of the sex or gender of the parties
to the marriage.
Religious organizations and clergy acting in their religious capacity shall have the right to refuse to perform any marriage.