Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin late Friday vetoed several bills from the final bill of this year’s regular session. Among them was a bill focused on protecting access to contraceptives and one that would allow small businesses to host games of skill similar to slot machines.
The veto came after Youngkin, a Republican, first proposed an amendment that Congress rejected. He said in an evening statement that he intends to continue working with the Democratic-led General Assembly on the issue, but will veto any bill that is “not ready to become law.”
In total, Yonkin signed seven bills and vetoed 48 bills approved by the Democratic-controlled Virginia Senate and House of Delegates, including the Contraceptive Rights Act.
“I support access to contraceptives, but we cannot trample on Virginians’ religious freedom,” Youngkin said in a statement, adding that access to contraceptives is already protected by the Constitution. .
Contraceptive access protections move forward in Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin late Friday vetoed several bills from the final bill of this year’s regular session. Among them was a bill focused on protecting access to contraceptives and one that would allow small businesses to host games of skill similar to slot machines. (AP Photo/Steve Herbe R)
According to WRC-TV, the bill defines contraception, prohibits any restrictions, and establishes enforcement through civil penalties.
Yonkin has already sent back an alternative measure, which is not a new law but a policy statement that Virginians have a right to access contraception based on current Supreme Court precedent. However, the motion failed and the bill was sent back to the governor, who vetoed it.
“Quality health care is essential for women, and contraception remains a critical component in reducing abortions and fostering a culture of living that makes Virginia a great place to raise a family,” Youngkin said. Ta. “As this issue continues to be debated in Congress, recognizing the diverse religious, ethical, and moral beliefs of Virginians, changes related to contraception must be coupled with strong conscience clause protections for providers. “We must also protect the fundamental rights of parents” in order to make decisions regarding the upbringing and care of their children. ”
Close-up of a woman’s hand holding oral contraceptive pills. (St. Petersburg)
He said the measure created “too broad a cause of action against political branches, parents, and even medical professionals acting within the scope of their practice based on their professional judgment.” .
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Youngkin also said the bill does not include adequate conscience clause protections for health care providers and violates parents’ fundamental rights to make decisions about their children’s discipline and care.
Democrats criticized the veto, with state party chairwoman Susan Swecker saying in a statement: “Yonkin has proven once again to Virginians that he doesn’t care about their health or rights.”
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In total, Mr. Youngkin signed seven bills and vetoed 48 bills.
Youngkin’s veto on the skill games measure, one of the most controversial issues of the year, was widely expected. The governor attempted to overhaul the bill he was sent, but the Legislature overwhelmingly rejected his changes. Mr. Youngkin would raise taxes, impose stricter restrictions on where machines can be installed, and establish a 35-mile radius around casinos, racetracks and gambling “satellite facilities” where machines are prohibited. I wanted it.
The governor also vetoed a measure to eliminate record and property tax exemptions for the United Daughters of the Confederacy, a Richmond-based women’s organization that helped build many of the country’s Confederate monuments, but supporters say the group’s priorities are out of step with 21st-century values.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
