VirginiaHJ32026 Regular SessionHouse

Constitutional amendment (second reference); marriage between two adult persons; repeal of same-sex marriage prohibition; affirmative right to marry.

Sponsored By: Mark D. Sickles (Democratic)

Became Law

Summary

Constitutional amendment (second reference); marriage between two adult persons; repeal of same-sex marriage prohibition; affirmative right to marry. Repeals the constitutional provision defining marriage as only a union between one man and one woman as well as the related provisions that are no longer valid as a result of the United States Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U.S. 644 (2015). The amendment prohibits the Commonwealth and its political subdivisions from denying the issuance of a marriage license to two adult persons seeking a lawful marriage on the basis of the sex, gender, or race of such persons. The Commonwealth and its political subdivisions are required to recognize any lawful marriage between two adult persons and to treat such marriages equally under the law, regardless of the sex, gender, or race of such persons.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Equal marriage rights for adults

The Virginia Constitution now protects the right to marry for any two adults. State and local officials cannot deny a marriage license because of sex, gender, or race. The Commonwealth recognizes any lawful marriage between two adults and treats all such marriages equally. Married couples get the same legal rights and benefits tied to marriage, like tax filing, health coverage, and inheritance.

No marriage-like civil unions

The state and local governments cannot create or accept a legal status for unmarried couples that mirrors marriage. This blocks domestic partnerships or civil unions with the same rights and benefits as marriage. To get those rights and duties, couples must marry.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Mark D. Sickles

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 119 • No: 53

Senate vote 1/16/2026

Reading of amendment waived (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 1/16/2026

Senator Jordan, Emily M. Amendment rejected

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 1/16/2026

Passed Senate

Yes: 26 • No: 13

Senate vote 1/14/2026

Reported from Privileges and Elections

Yes: 10 • No: 3

House vote 1/14/2026

Reported from Privileges and Elections

Yes: 16 • No: 6

House vote 1/14/2026

Agreed to by House

Yes: 67 • No: 31

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0975)

    4/13/2026Governor
  2. Assigned Chapter 975 (Effective 7/1/2026)

    4/13/2026House
  3. Signed by Speaker

    3/31/2026House
  4. Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ3ER)

    3/30/2026House
  5. Signed by President

    3/30/2026Senate
  6. Passed Senate

    1/16/2026Senate
  7. Senator Jordan, Emily M. Amendment rejected

    1/16/2026Senate
  8. Reading of amendment waived (Voice Vote)

    1/16/2026Senate
  9. Agreed to by Senate

    1/16/2026Senate
  10. Read third time

    1/16/2026Senate
  11. Read second time

    1/15/2026Senate
  12. Agreed to by House (67-Y 31-N 0-A)

    1/14/2026House
  13. Engrossed by House

    1/14/2026House
  14. Taken up

    1/14/2026House
  15. Reported from Privileges and Elections (16-Y 6-N)

    1/14/2026House
  16. Referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections

    1/14/2026Senate
  17. Reported from Privileges and Elections (10-Y 3-N)

    1/14/2026Senate
  18. Referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections

    11/17/2025House
  19. Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26101634D

    11/17/2025House

Bill Text

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