Virginia Lawmakers Approve LGBTQ Rights Bills, Fate Uncertain With Governor

RICHMOND, Va. (Feb. 25, 2025) — Virginia lawmakers approved two LGBTQ rights bills during the 2025 legislative session, advancing efforts to strengthen legal protections for LGBTQ individuals in the state. The legislation now heads to Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, whose stance on the measures remains unclear.

The Washington Blade reported that one bill repeals obsolete language in Virginia law banning same-sex marriage, which remains on the books despite the 2015 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges that legalized same-sex unions nationwide. While the provision is unenforceable, advocates say its removal is necessary to prevent future legal challenges should federal protections be weakened. The second bill expands protections for LGBTQ individuals in housing, employment, and public accommodations.

Despite Democratic control of the General Assembly, the bills face an uncertain future with Youngkin, who has taken a conservative approach to social issues. His administration has previously rolled back protections for transgender students in schools, citing parental rights concerns.

The governor has until March 31 to act on the bills. If he takes no action, they will automatically become law.

Why We March

Virginia’s legislative push comes amid broader national conversations on LGBTQ rights, particularly as Republican-led states enact laws restricting gender-affirming care, limiting drag performances, and curtailing transgender athletes' participation in school sports.

Opponents of the bills argue they go beyond existing legal protections and could conflict with religious liberties.

Virginia has gradually expanded LGBTQ rights recently, becoming the first Southern state to pass comprehensive nondiscrimination protections in 2020. However, advocates stress that ongoing legislative efforts are necessary to ensure lasting protections amid shifting national policies.