Northern Virginia Ethical Society

NoVES does not take a position on any legislative action. However we support fair and equal treatment for all people, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or political affiliation. 

In Virginia, a proposed constitutional ammendment must first pass the state legislature three years ina row before it comes before the people for a vote.  This year there are three proposals in their first appearance.

No matter how you feel about these issues, you should write your state representatives and express your opinions.  You can find the names and mailing addresses for your state delegate and senator at  https://whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov/ . When your legislators appear, click "more info" for their mailing address.

The three proposed ammendments include:

HJ1 - Fundamental Right to Reproductive Freedom. Provides that every individual has the fundamental right to reproductive freedom and that the right to make and effectuate one's own decisions about all matters related to one's pregnancy cannot be denied, burdened, or otherwise infringed upon by the Commonwealth, unless justified by a compelling state interest and achieved by the least restrictive means. 

HJ2 - Qualifications of Voters; Right to Vote; Persons Not Entitled To Vote. Provides that every person who meets the qualifications of voters set forth in the Constitution of Virginia shall have the fundamental right to vote in the Commonwealth and that such right shall not be abridged by law, except for persons who have been convicted of a felony and persons who have been adjudicated to lack the capacity to understand the act of voting.

HJ9 - Marriage Between Two Individuals; 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provision defining marriage as only a union between one man and one woman as well as the related provisions that are no longer valid as a result of the United States Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U.S. 644 (2015).