Early voting is already underway in Virginia, where voters will decide two proposed state constitutional amendments Nov. 3.
The reality is, it’s not the amendments themselves that are on the ballot, and the vast majority of voters aren’t expected to read the amendment texts before casting their votes. What they will instead see are “ballot questions,” which use vague and misleading language hiding catastrophic changes that could be made to the very foundations of the state of Virginia.
Ballot Question 1, which covers the “Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment,” uses sweeping terms such as “prenatal care,” “miscarriage management” and “fertility care” to allow radical access to abortion through all nine months of pregnancy and stripping any existing protections in place currently in Virginia. Shockingly, the actual text of the amendment would grant this “right” to any “individual,” which would include minors, allowing the removal of any legal standing parents would have to protect their vulnerable daughters in these types of situations. Reading deeper, the amendment text also states that Virginia would not charge any person who is “aiding or assisting” another in procuring an abortion, so long as “voluntary consent” is demonstrated. This is a flimsy requirement that can easily be forged, allowing the granting of immunity to profit-focused doctors or even human traffickers who commodify young women.
Ballot Question 2 pertains to the so-called “Marriage Amendment,” which removes text that acknowledges the truth of marriage as between one man and one woman, instead stating that marriage is a “vital personal right” for all adults regardless of “sex, gender, or race.” To separate gender and sex inserts gender ideology permanently into Virginia law, leading to a tragic misunderstanding of the truth and dignity of human beings for generations to come. As Pope Francis summarized in “Amoris Laetitia”: “It needs to be emphasized that ‘biological sex and the socio-cultural role of sex (gender) can be distinguished but not separated.’ ” The Catholic faith teaches the eternal truth that the body and soul of each person are united, not independent. This amendment would tragically deny this truth for future generations of Virginians.
Recently, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge had a letter read at all Sunday Masses that denounced these two proposed amendments, exhorting all of the faithful to make a plan to vote “no” against them. He also shared the diocesan Catholics Vote No initiative, which provides clear explanations on each amendment, shares resources for spreading the word, provides direction on how to register to vote and gives the opportunity for Virginia Catholics to pledge their vote in the upcoming election. It’s a valuable resource to share with family and friends to ensure that all who can cast a ballot are empowered to make an informed and virtuous decision on Election Day. All Catholic voters have a solemn duty to stand up for the values of human dignity, life and marriage — truths that are so foundational to our faith. With courage, we can stand to defend the future of Virginia at this pivotal moment. Early voting is open through Oct. 31, with Election Day Nov. 3.
Pate is a parishioner of St. Raymond of Peñafort Church in Springfield.
