Committee approves substitute ballot language to remove marriage ban; HB 612 reported 13-5

The Privileges and Elections Committee accepted a substitute and reported House Bill 612, which places a referendum on the Nov. 3, 2026 general‑election ballot to remove language in the Virginia Constitution defining marriage as between a man and a woman and to affirm that two adults may marry regardless of sex or race.

Delegate Cohen, speaking to the substitute, said it “puts the referenda language into plain language and really mirrors our other proposed referenda language,” and read the substitute question aloud: the constitution would be amended to remove the ban on same‑sex marriage, affirm that two adults may marry regardless of sex or race, and require equal treatment of all legally valid marriages.

The committee moved to accept the substitute by voice vote and later voted 13‑5 to report the substituted bill to the next stage. Delegate Cruz moved to report the bill with the substitute.

No public testimony in favor or opposition was recorded in open committee for HB 612 during this meeting. The committee vote to report will send the substituted text forward for additional House consideration toward placement on the November 2026 ballot.