Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed a Democratic-sponsored bill that would protect same-sex marriage on Friday.
on Friday — a largely symbolic measure that looks to ensure its legality in case future court decisions seek to reverse protections.governor took action on more than 80 bills the legislature had sent him. In a surprising twist, Youngkin had signed the Democratic bill — with a caveat of faith-based exemptions allowing clergy and religious organizations the right to reject performing same-sex weddings.
“The bill adds First Amendment protections to the code of Virginia,” Youngkin spokesman Christian Martinez. “Religious organizations and members of the clergy acting in their religious capacity now have the authority to decline to officiate marriage ceremonies that violate their conscience. The remainder of the bill deals with the ministerial duties of issuing licenses, which is already guided by federal preemption.
The law signed by Youngkin states that marriage licenses in Virginia can be approved between two people seeking a “lawful marriage,” regardless of gender, race, or sex. This has already been the status quo in Virginia since 2014, following the decision of thewhich challenged the state’s refusal to penalize same-sex marriages.
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