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A handful of constitutional amendments continue to move forward in Richmond

Mallory Noe-Payne
/
Radio IQ

Several constitutional amendments are steadily advancing in the General Assembly. As Michael Pope tells us, the most controversial one, which guarantees abortion rights, was debated in the Senate Monday.

Should the Virginia Constitution guarantee abortion rights for "every individual?" If voters approve of the amendment, Republicans worry about laws requiring parental consent. Senator Tara Durant is a Republican from Stafford County who says this amendment puts parental rights in jeopardy.

"This fundamental right has come under assault in recent years," Durant says. "Let us not forget that the parents' rights movement, which has swept across this nation, was born right here in Virginia four years ago."

The constitutional amendment was introduced by Senator Jennifer Boysko, a Democrat from Herndon.

"Our amendment does not address whether or not parental consent is required or denied," says Boysko. "In fact, it is silent on it, and it stands unless it is turned over by the court."
 
Boysko’s amendment is expected to pass the Senate this week, after some Republican changes were shot down. An identical amendment passed the House last week, and members of the General Assembly are also considering amendments expanding voting rights and protecting gay marriage.

This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.

Michael Pope is an author and journalist who lives in Old Town Alexandria.