The Virginia State Senate approved a resolution last week that would repeal a state constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman, hoping for a future of codified protection for LGBTQ+ Virginians. The amendment was introduced by gay Democratic Senator Adam Ebbin and approved by the Senate Privileges and Elections Committee last Wednesday by a 10-4 margin.
The new amendment is intended to protect marriage and civil unions between Virginia citizens of all sexual orientations and identities by officially repealing the Marshal-Newman Amendment. This amendment passed with voter support in 2006, and defined marriage as solely between a man and a woman in Virginia’s state constitution.
Since then, sentiments on LGBTQ+ rights have shifted in Virginia. Marriage equality was legalized in Virginia prior to the federal marriage equality decision in 2015 when Gov. Glenn Youngkin codified marriage equality in state law in 2014. “It’s time for Virginia’s Constitution to reflect the law of land and the values of today,” said Ebbin following Friday’s vote. “This amendment, if approved by voters, would affirm the dignity of all committed couples and protect marriage equality for future generations.”
If passed the resolution would repeal the Marshall-Newman Amendment passed in the General Assembly in 2021 and 2025. Still the resolution awaits further approval from state legislators. According to the Washington Blade, two successive legislatures must approve the resolution before it can go on the ballot.
Virginia’s House Dems have claimed passing the resolution would be among their top legislative priorities in 2026. According to Equaldex, Virginia offers various protections for LGBTQ+ Americans, from discrimination protections to gender affirming care, adoption, legal gender changes, and more.
