Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin recently vetoed several bills, including legislation that focused on protecting access to contraceptives and a measure that would have allowed small businesses to host skill games similar to slot machines. The vetoes came after Youngkin proposed amendments that were rejected by the legislature. In his statement, Youngkin expressed his willingness to continue working with the Democratic-controlled General Assembly on these issues but vetoed measures that he felt were not yet ready to become law. In total, Youngkin signed seven bills into law and vetoed 48, including the Right to Contraception Act, which was supported by the Democrat-controlled Virginia Senate and House of Delegates.
The Right to Contraception Act aimed to define contraception, prevent restrictions, and establish enforcement through civil penalties. While Youngkin supports access to contraception, he raised concerns about the bill trampling on the religious freedoms of Virginians. He stated that access to contraception is already protected under the Constitution and sent back a substitute measure as a policy statement that Virginians have a right to access contraception under current Supreme Court precedents. However, the original bill was sent back to the governor and subsequently vetoed. Youngkin emphasized the importance of quality health care for women and the crucial role that contraception plays in reducing abortions and fostering a culture of life in Virginia.
Youngkin also vetoed a bill that would have provided taxpayer-backed health insurance to illegal immigrants, citing concerns about inadequate conscience clause protections for providers and undermining the fundamental right of parents to make decisions concerning their children’s upbringing and care. Democrats criticized the veto, with state party chair Susan Swecker accusing Youngkin of not caring about the health or rights of Virginians. Additionally, Youngkin vetoed a measure related to skill games, a contentious issue in the state, after his proposed amendments were rejected by the Legislature. The governor sought a higher tax rate and stricter limits on where the machines could be located but was not successful in his efforts to overhaul the bill.
In addition to these vetoes, Youngkin vetoed a measure that would have eliminated a recordation and property tax exemption for the United Daughters of the Confederacy, a Richmond-based women’s group known for erecting Confederate monuments. Proponents argued that the group’s priorities were not aligned with modern values. The vetoed bills and the governor’s statements sparked controversy and debate among lawmakers and constituents in Virginia. Youngkin’s actions are part of a larger political landscape in the state, where various social and policy issues are being actively debated and legislated.
