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Va. Senate committee tables anti-transgender student bill

SB 20 would have ended requirement to protect trans, non-binary students

Published

4 years ago

on

inclusive curricula, Frederick County School Board, transgender students, gay news, Washington Blade
(Bigstock photo)

The Virginia Senate Education and Health Committee on Thursday tabled a bill that would have eliminated the requirement that school districts must implement the state Department of Education’s transgender and non-binary student guidelines.

The committee by an 8-4 vote tabled Senate Bill 20, which state Sen. Travis Hackworth (R-Tazewell County) introduced.

“This is an important victory for the health and safety of transgender students in Virginia,” said Equality Virginia Executive Director Narissa Rahaman. “The policies use well-established best practices to help ensure Virginia schools are welcoming and affirming learning environments for all students, while helping districts stay in compliance with state and federal laws. We’ll be fighting to keep up this momentum as the General Assembly continues.”  

The same committee earlier on Thursday approved a bill that would require local school boards to notify parents about “sexually explicit materials” in the classroom. Committee members on Thursday also tabled a bill that would have codified Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s executive order that ended the teaching of “divisive concepts” in Virginia public schools.

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Virginia

VIDEO: LGBTQ groups march in Va. inaugural parade

Abigail Spanberger took office on Saturday

Published

3 hours ago

on

January 17, 2026

By

Diversity Richmond and the Virginia Pride project of Diversity Richmond march in the 2026 Inauguration Parade on the grounds of the state capitol in Richmond, Va. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The inaugural ceremonies for Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger were held in Richmond, Va. on Saturday. Among the groups marching in the parade were Diversity Richmond and the Virginia Pride project of Diversity Richmond.

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The LGBTQ contingent in the inaugural parade in Richmond, Va. pass by the review stand on Jan. 17, 2026. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
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Virginia

Va. Senate approves referendum to repeal marriage amendment

Outgoing state Sen. Adam Ebbin introduced SJ3

Published

11 hours ago

on

January 17, 2026

By

(Bigstock photo)

The Virginia Senate on Friday by a 26-13 vote margin approved a resolution that seeks to repeal a state constitutional amendment that defines marriage as between a man and a woman.

Outgoing state Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria) introduced SJ3. The Senate Privileges and Elections Committee on Wednesday approved it by a 10-4 vote margin.

Same-sex couples have been able to legally marry in Virginia since 2014. Outgoing Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin in 2024 signed a bill that codified marriage equality in state law.

A resolution that seeks to repeal the Marshall-Newman Amendment passed in the General Assembly in 2021. The resolution passed again in 2025.

Two successive legislatures must approve the resolution before it can go to the ballot. Democrats in the Virginia House of Delegates have said the resolution’s passage is among their 2026 legislative priorities.

“It’s time for Virginia’s Constitution to reflect the law of the land and the values of today,” said Ebbin after Friday’s vote. “This amendment, if approved by voters, would affirm the dignity of all committed couples and protects marriage equality for future generations.”

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Virginia

Va. Senate committee approves resolution to repeal marriage amendment

Outgoing state Sen. Adam Ebbin introduced SJ3

Published

2 days ago

on

January 15, 2026

By

(Bigstock photo)

The Virginia Senate Privileges and Elections Committee on Wednesday by a 10-4 vote margin approved a resolution that seeks to repeal a state constitutional amendment that defines marriage as between a man and a woman.

Outgoing state Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria) introduced SJ3.

Same-sex couples have been able to legally marry in Virginia since 2014. Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin in 2024 signed a bill that codified marriage equality in state law.

A resolution that seeks to repeal the Marshall-Newman Amendment passed in the General Assembly in 2021. The resolution passed again in 2025.

Two successive legislatures must approve the resolution before it can go to the ballot. Democrats in the Virginia House of Delegates have said the resolution’s passage is among their 2026 legislative priorities.

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