Same-Gender Marriage Codified in Virginia

Same-gender marriage will be codified in Virginia effective July 1. This comes after anti-LGBTQ+ governor Glenn Youngkin signed a Democratic-sponsored bill that will keep same-gender marriage legal in Virginia regardless of federal changes. 

This bill now ensures Virginians have the right to gay marriage, though it has been legal since 2014. In light of Roe v. Wade getting overturned, personal federal rights are being questioned, and states are taking action to minimize potential effects. Obergefell vs. Hodges required states to recognize and license same-gender marriage. However, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas argued that rulings that legalize gay marriage and relationships should be reconsidered. Now, even if this is the case, same-gender marriage will undoubtedly remain legal in Virginia.Previously, if Obergefell were to be overturned Virginia would return to its 2006 constitutional ban on same-gender marriage.

Though same-gender marriage licenses will remain legal, Youngkin clarified that faith-based expectations are legal. Therefore, religious organizations and clergy members can deny officiating a gay marriage if they deem it goes against their conscience. 

Republican mayor Glenn Youngkin signed the bill despite his history of anti-LGBTQ+ ideals and politics. He says that he does not support same-gener unions and has supported various anti-LGBTQ+ policies such as denying a trans-girl the right to play on sports teams that align with her gender identity.

Furthermore, Youngkin vetoed a bill to minimize mass book banning in Virginia. He proposed an amendment that would grant parents the right to “shield” children from any sexually explicit book.Despite Youngkin’s conservative politics, his signing of the bill codifying same-gender marriage in Virginia is a large step forward. Same-gender marriage legality not being jeopardized as the federal rulings are up in the air proves that we will not go backward. Glenn Youngkin, as an anti-LGBTQ+ mayor signing the bill, instills hope that other states will continue to do the same.