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2021 SESSION

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21100554D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 515 Offered January 13, 2021 Prefiled December 3, 2020 Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Virginia by adding in Article I a section numbered 15-B, relating to rights of parents. ----------
Patrons-- Cole, M.L., Byron, Fowler, Freitas, LaRock, Walker, Wiley and Wright; Senators: Chase, Peake and Stuart
---------- Referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections ----------

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, a majority of the members elected to each house agreeing, That the following amendment to the Constitution of Virginia be, and the same hereby is, proposed and referred to the General Assembly at its first regular session held after the next general election of members of the House of Delegates for its concurrence in conformity with the provisions of Section 1 of Article XII of the Constitution of Virginia, namely:

Amend the Constitution of Virginia by adding in Article I a section numbered 15-B as follows:

ARTICLE I BILL OF RIGHTS

Section 15-B. Right of parents.

There exists a fundamental right of parents to direct the upbringing, education, and care of their children. The Commonwealth shall not infringe these rights without demonstrating that its governmental interest as applied to the person is of the highest order and not otherwise served.

This section shall not be construed to apply to a parental action or decision that would physically harm or end the life of the child.