RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) - Could Virginia become the next state to recognize same-sex marriage?
Some state lawmakers want to change the Commonwealth's definition of marriage to include any partnership or union.
Twenty-six patrons of the House and Senate want to repeal the constitutional amendment dealing with marriage passed by voters in November 2006 under House Bill HJ665.
The portion of Virginia's Bill of Rights would be repealed under the legislation includes:
"That only a union between a man and a woman may be a valid marriage in or recognized by this Commonwealth and its political subdivisions.
This Commonwealth and its political subdivisions shall not create or recognize a legal status for relationships of unmarried individuals that intends to approximate the design, qualities, significance or effects of marriage. Nor shall this Commonwealth or its political subdivisions create or recognize another union, partnership, or other legal status to which is assigned the rights benefits, obligations, qualities, or effects of marriage."
If this proposed legislation is passed in the House and Senate, it would go before Virginia voters.
