Virginians will get to vote directly on whether to enshrine critical civil rights and civil liberties in our state constitution

RICHMOND, Va. – Today three proposed amendments to Virginia’s constitution passed the House and Senate, clearing the final hurdle before going directly to Virginians for a vote this November. In response to this multi-year effort, ACLU of Virginia Executive Director Mary Bauer released the following statement:

“Today’s progress brings us one step closer to safeguarding civil rights in the Commonwealth from attacks at the federal level and empowers voters to state with moral clarity just what the people of Virginia stand for. Amending Virginia’s constitution is a vital part of shoring up our rights here at home and putting them firmly out of reach of partisan politics.

“This year, Virginians will finally have the chance to make sure that who we marry, what private decisions we make about our reproductive health, and whether we have a say in our democracy doesn’t depend on who’s in office. This November, Virginians can update our state constitution’s outdated language to finally bring Virginia into the 21st century and toward the dream of a Virginia that is truly for all.”