Text of VA SJR 270 (2021)

21100202D SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 270 Offered January 13, 2021 Prefiled July 20, 2020 Proposing the repeal of Section 15-A of Article I of the Constitution of Virginia, relating to marriage. ---------- Patrons-- Ebbin, Boysko, Favola and Surovell; Delegates: Carr and Kory ---------- Referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections ---------- RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates 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. 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.

CHAPTER 518 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 270 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 Senate, February 5, 2021 Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 15, 2021 RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates 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.

21100202D SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 270 Offered January 13, 2021 Prefiled July 20, 2020 Proposing the repeal of Section 15-A of Article I of the Constitution of Virginia, relating to marriage. ---------- Patron-- Ebbin ---------- Referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections ---------- RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates 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. 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.