Virginia voters face constitutional amendments on abortion rights and same-sex marriage

Virginia’s November election will feature two constitutional amendments that have sparked intense debate. The first, championed by House Majority Leader Charniele Herring and Senator Jennifer Boysko, would add a section guaranteeing a fundamental right to reproductive freedom, effectively allowing unrestricted abortions and limiting parental oversight. The second, drafted by former Delegate Mark Sickles and former Senator Adam Ebbin, would eliminate one outlet ban on same-sex marriage, redefining marriage as a right for any two adults and removing language that protects religious institutions from being forced to recognize such unions.

Governor Abigail Spanberger, who ran as a moderate, backs both proposals. Opponents warn the measures could undermine religious freedom, enable unlicensed abortion services, and promote commercial surrogacy, while supporters frame them as expansions of personal liberty.