HJ 9: Constitutional amendment; marriage between two adult persons.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Constitutional amendment (first reference); 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provision defining marriage as only a union between one man and one woman as well as the related provisions that are no longer valid as a result of the United States Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U.S. 644 (2015). The amendment provides that the right to marry is a fundamental right inherent in the liberty of persons and prohibits the Commonwealth and its political subdivisions from denying the issuance of a marriage license to two parties contemplating a lawful marriage on the basis of the sex, gender, or race of such parties. The Commonwealth and its political subdivisions are required to recognize any lawful marriage between two parties and to treat such marriages equally under the law, regardless of the sex, gender, or race of such parties. The amendment provides that religious organizations and clergy acting in their religious capacity have the right to refuse to perform any marriage.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 50

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. March 24, 2025Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0602)
2. March 24, 2025Assigned Chapter 602 (Effective 07/01/25)
3. March 10, 2025Signed by President
4. March 7, 2025Signed by Speaker
5. March 7, 2025Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ9ER)
6. March 7, 2025Enrolled
7. January 31, 2025Agreed to by Senate (24-Y 15-N)
8. January 31, 2025Read third time
9. January 30, 2025Passed by for the day
10. January 30, 2025Reading waived (on 2nd reading) (39-Y 0-N)
11. January 30, 2025Rules suspended
12. January 28, 2025Reported from Privileges and Elections (10-Y 5-N)

Showing 12 most recent of 26 actions. Full history