Anti-LGBTQ+ governor signs bill codifying same-sex marriage in Virginia

[Jessica_Rose]

Anti-LGBTQ+ governor signs bill codifying same-sex marriage in Virginia

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/anti-lgbtq-governor-signs-bill-codifying-same-sex-marriage-in-virginia/ar-BB1jHUIv?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=8adb3ef9b4ab4224ac8ad4944b916568&ei=2

Story by Greg Owen (11 March 2024)

Confronted with a newly Democrat-dominated legislature, Virginia governor Glenn Youngkin (R) signed a bill on Friday codifying same-sex marriage in the Commonwealth.

With Youngkin's signature, the Democratic-sponsored bill ensures same-sex marriage remains legal in Virginia regardless of any change in federal protections.

Marriage licenses must be issued to any two people seeking a "lawful marriage" in Virginia regardless of gender, race or sex, according to the new law. The Supreme Court's ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges guaranteed that same personal right nationwide in 2015, but the high court's ruling overturning Roe v. Wade in 2022 opened the door for the reconsideration of other personal rights.

As the new law takes effect, the governor's office emphasized faith-based exemptions allowing clergy and religious organizations to decline to perform same-sex weddings.

Despite those exemptions, advocacy group Equality Virginia credited Youngkin for his signature.

"Two years into his term, Governor Youngkin has shown leadership and inclusivity, and has finally listened to his constituents with his signing of HB174," said Narissa Rahaman, Equality Virginia's executive director.

[KathyLauren]

Nice to hear a good news story for a change.