ALERT: Virginia Marriage Amendment language finalized

(Richmond) – Members of a House and Senate conference committee in the Virginia General Assembly struck an agreement on the Virginia Marriage Amendment. The final language, which subsequently passed both houses of the full legislature on 2/26/05, reads as follows:

That only a union between one man and one woman may be a marriage valid 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.

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