On December 13, 2025, the state of Virginia made history by passing a groundbreaking amendment to the state constitution that explicitly protects the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. The amendment, which was approved by a majority of voters in a statewide referendum, affirms that all Virginians, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, are entitled to equal protection under the law.The passage of this amendment comes after years of advocacy and activism by LGBTQ+ rights organizations in Virginia, who have long argued that legal protections for members of the LGBTQ+ community should be enshrined in the state constitution. Prior to the passage of this amendment, LGBTQ+ individuals in Virginia had only limited legal protections against discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.The new amendment not only ensures equal protection for LGBTQ+ individuals in areas such as housing, employment, and public accommodations, but also prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in any government-funded programs or services. This represents a major step forward for LGBTQ+ rights in Virginia, which had previously lagged behind other states in terms of legal protections for members of the LGBTQ+ community.Governor Jennifer Carter, who has been a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights throughout her tenure, celebrated the passage of the amendment as a significant victory for equality and justice in the state. In a statement released after the amendment was approved, Governor Carter said, "Virginia has always been a leader in the fight for civil rights, and today we have taken another important step towards ensuring that all of our residents are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of who they love or how they identify."The passage of this amendment represents a historic moment for LGBTQ+ rights in Virginia and sets a powerful example for other states to follow. With the inclusion of these protections in the state constitution, LGBTQ+ individuals in Virginia can now feel more secure in their rights and freedoms, knowing that the law is on their side.