Virginia bishop urges faithful to reject ballot initiatives on abortion, same-sex marriage (Diocese of Arlington)

Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington is calling on the faithful to vote against two upcoming ballot initiatives in Virginia.

In a statement, Burbidge urged voters to reject Ballot Question 1, the Virginia Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment. He described the amendment as an extreme and vague change to the state constitution that would establish a legal right to unregulated abortions performed by unlicensed practitioners at any stage of pregnancy. Burbidge stated that this measure threatens the health and safety of mothers and could allow for abortions up to birth. He also noted that the amendment extends these rights to minors and would remove the role of parents in making irreversible decisions for their daughters.

Burbidge also advised voters to oppose Ballot Question 2, the Virginia Remove Constitutional Same-Sex Marriage Ban Amendment. He argued that this measure would remove the definition of marriage as being between one man and one woman from the state constitution. He further claimed the amendment would enshrine gender ideology by separating biological sex from gender.