March 4, 2022 News & Press Releases

SILENCE: Governor Youngkin is Refusing to Comment on Amendments to Reverse Same-Sex Marriage Ban and Restore Rights For Returning Citizens


by Democratic Party of Virginia

Richmond, VA – This week, Governor Youngkin has been eerily quiet, refusing to comment on Republicans killing two historic bills: one that would have removed the shameful and discriminatory ban on same-sex marriage from our constitution and another that would have enshrined the automatic restoration of voting rights for people who have served their time and paid their debt to society into it. 

Yesterday, Virginia Democrats called on Governor Youngkin and Republicans to join them in allowing a floor vote on constitutional amendments. The Governor, still refusing to comment, can’t hide from the fact that six Republicans decided to speak on behalf of all Virginia voters, and killed these amendments.

Governor Youngkin refuses to state where he stands on the issue – and Virginians deserve to know. 

Virginia Mercury: Republicans fall in line against final push to expand felon voting rights in Virginia

“‘Speak up, Governor Youngkin,’ Locke said at Thursday’s rally. ‘And let the people vote.’

Youngkin’s office did not respond Thursday to a request for comment."

Washington Post: Felon voting rights, same-sex marriage measures die in Virginia House panel

“The governor has no role in the amendment process — except as an individual voter if one makes it to the ballot. A spokeswoman for Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R), who ran as a tough-on-crime conservative, did not respond to a request for comment.”

ABC 8: Same-sex marriage ban will stay in Virginia Constitution after final vote

“Former Attorney General Mark Herring, a Democrat, played a key role in shoring up same-sex marriage rights in Virginia before the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision. 

Attorney General Jason Miyares, a Republican, didn’t respond to a request for comment. However, he voted against removing the ban while serving in the House of Delegates last year.

Governor Glenn Youngkin also didn’t comment.”

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