Virginia General Assembly enacted Affirmation of Marriage Act, voiding same-sex civil unions and contractual rights
On April 21, 2004, the Virginia General Assembly passed the Affirmation of Marriage Act (HB 751), chief-patroned by Del. Robert G. Marshall, declaring that same-sex civil unions, partnership contracts, and any related contractual rights are void and unenforceable in Virginia. The enrolled bill passed the House 69–30 and the Senate 27–12 after Governor Mark Warner's recommendation to narrow the bill was rejected; it became law without the Governor's signature as Chapter 983 of the 2004 Acts of Assembly, effective July 1, 2004. The law voided not only civil unions created elsewhere but also private-contract rights — including domestic-partner benefits, hospital visitation agreements, and inheritance arrangements — that same-sex couples had established.