Voters amend Virginia’s constitution to put fundamental freedoms beyond the reach of politicians

RICHMOND, Va. — In response to Virginia voters approving all three constitutional amendments protecting reproductive freedom, marriage equality and voting rights, ACLU of Virginia Executive Director Mary Bauer released the following statement:

“By voting to enshrine reproductive freedom, marriage equality and voting rights directly in Virginia’s constitution, voters resoundingly affirmed a principle that belongs at the heart of our democracy: power belongs to the people, not politicians. In a Commonwealth whose history bears the deep scars of injustice, this victory belongs to every Virginian who refused to accept that history as our destiny.

“Tonight, our campaign for all three amendments carried that determination to the ballot box, and together, alongside our partners and supporters, we have written a new chapter in the Commonwealth’s history with the freedoms that Virginians fought to secure for generations taking their rightful place in our constitution.”