Three amendments to Va. Constitution filed for 2025 Va. General Assembly to consider

Late on Nov. 25, 2024 ahead of the 2025 session of the Virginia General Assembly,  a trio of Virginia State Senators,  Mamie E. Locke, Adam Ebbin, and Jennifer Boysko introduced what they characterized as “significant constitutional amendments aimed at safeguarding fundamental rights and strengthening our democracy.”

According to a news release, the three constitutional amendments were filed as Senate Joint Resolutions, and described as “covering critical issues including voter qualifications, marriage equality, and reproductive rights.”

SJ 2 was filed by Senator Locke and titled: Constitutional Amendment Regarding Voter Qualifications
“Senator Locke’s proposed amendment seeks to clarify the qualifications for voting in Virginia, ensuring that all citizens eligible to vote are fully protected under the state’s constitution. The amendment also addresses the exclusion of certain individuals, reaffirming the right of all Virginians to participate in the electoral process unless explicitly prohibited by law,” the news release stated.

SJ 11 was filed by Senator Ebbin and titled: Constitutional Amendment on Marriage Equality
“Senator Ebbin’s resolution would protect marriage as a union between two individuals, regardless of gender, sex, religion, or other factors. This constitutional amendment seeks to uphold marriage equality for all Virginians, reflecting the Commonwealth’s commitment to fairness, equality, and the protection of individual rights,” according to the news release.

SJ 1 was filed by Senator Boysko and title : Constitutional Amendment Ensuring Reproductive Freedom
“Senator Boysko introduced a proposed amendment to protect the fundamental right to reproductive freedom and bodily autonomy in the Virginia State Constitution. This would guarantee individuals’ rights to make personal reproductive health decisions without government interference,” the news release stated.

Virginia Senate Democrats issued the following statement:

“Senate Democrats have taken the first step towards ensuring the fundamental rights of all Virginians. These constitutional amendments represent our commitment to safeguard reproductive freedom, protecting the sacred right to vote, and ensuring marriage equality. We made a solemn promise to the people of Virginia that these vital protections would receive full consideration beginning in 2025. Senate Democrats stand united in our resolve to enshrine these essential rights in our Commonwealth’s founding document, ensuring that future generations of Virginians will have these freedoms permanently protected under law.”