Virginia Catholic Bishop urges opposition to constitutional amendments

Catholic Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington has issued a rare directive to priests across 70 parishes in Northern Virginia to urge parishioners to oppose two proposed constitutional amendments on the November 3 ballot.

Ballot Question 1 seeks to amend the Virginia constitution to protect personal decisions regarding prenatal care, childbirth, and abortion. Bishop Burbidge argues the measure would allow for “unregulated abortions” up to birth and extend these rights to minors without parental involvement.

Ballot Question 2 proposes changes regarding the definition of marriage. Burbidge, in a joint effort with Richmond Bishop Barry Knestout, stated the amendment fails to respect the “sanctity of marriage” as defined by the church.

The amendments are supported by Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger and Attorney General Jay Jones. The Catholic opposition is organized through the “Catholics Vote No” campaign, targeting the state's significant Catholic population ahead of early voting.