Frank Wagner on Civil Rights
Religious freedom supersedes right to same-sex marriage
Legislative Summary: An Act relating to religious freedom: No person shall be required to participate in the solemnization of any marriage--or be subject to any penalty by the Commonwealth--solely on account of such person's sincerely held
religious belief or moral conviction that marriage should be recognized as the union of one man and one woman.
Excerpts from Veto Message: Although couched as a "religious freedom" bill, this legislation is nothing more than an attempt
to stigmatize. Any legitimate protections afforded by SB41 are duplicative of the 1st Amendment to the US Constitution. Any additional protections are styled in a manner that prefers one religious viewpoint--that marriage can only validly exist between
a man & a woman--over all other viewpoints. It equates to discrimination under the guise of religious freedom.
Legislative Outcome:: Sen. Wagner voted YEA; passed Senate, 20-19-1, Feb. 12; passed House, 59-38-3, March 9; vetoed, March 30
Source: Virginia Legislative voting records on SB41
, Feb 12, 2016
Don't ratify the Equal Rights Amendment
Legislative Summary: Ratifies the Equal Rights Amendment to the United States Constitution that was proposed by Congress in 1972. The joint resolution advocates the position that the 1972 Equal Rights Amendment remains viable and may be
ratified notwithstanding the expiration of the 10-year ratification period set out in the proposal adopted by Congress.
Legislative Outcome:: Sen. Wagner voted NAY; passed Senate 21-19,
Source: Virginia Legislative voting records on SJ1
, Jan 26, 2016
Page last updated: Jun 16, 2018