Section 12. | Article I. Bill of Rights | Virginia

Freedom of speech and of the press; right peaceably to assemble, and to petition

That the freedoms of speech and of the press are among the great bulwarks of liberty, and can never be restrained except by despotic governments; that any citizen may freely speak, write, and publish his sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that right; that the General Assembly shall not pass any law abridging the freedom of speech or of the press, nor the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for the redress of grievances.

Summary: Prevents General Assembly from passing laws to abridge freedom of speech, assembly, and to petition. Adds "right peaceably to assemble, and to petition" into catchline.

Election Date: November 3, 1970

Votes For Ratification: 576776

Votes Against Ratification: 226219

Percent for Ratification: 72%

Percent Against Ratification: 28%

Notes:

Amendment Source: 1970 Chap 786

Effective Date Source:

Freedom of the press and of speech

That the freedom of the press is one of the great bulwarks of liberty, and can never be restrained but by despotic governments; and any citizen may freely speak, write and publish his sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that right.

Summary: Removed comma after "write"; introduces a new catchline

Election Date: June 19, 1928

Votes For Ratification: 74109

Votes Against Ratification: 60531

Percent for Ratification: 55%

Percent Against Ratification: 45%

Notes:

Amendment Source: 1928 Revised Constitution of Virginia

Effective Date Source:

That the freedom of the press is one of the great bulwarks of liberty, and can never be restrained but by despotic governments; and any citizen may freely speak, write, and publish his sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that right.

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Amendment Source: 1902 Virginia Constitution

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That the freedom of the press is one of the great bulwarks of liberty, and can never be restrained but by despotic governments, and any citizen may speak, write and publish his sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that liberty.

Summary: Added "and any citizen may speak, write, and publish his sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that liberty."

Election Date: July 6, 1869

Votes For Ratification: 210585

Votes Against Ratification: 9136

Percent for Ratification: 96%

Percent Against Ratification: 4%

Notes:

Amendment Source: 1870 Virginia Constitution

Effective Date Source:

That the freedom of the press is one of the great bulwarks of liberty, and can never be restrained but by despotic governments.

Summary: No change

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Amendment Source: 1864 Virginia Constitution

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That the freedom of the press is one of the great bulwarks of liberty, and can never be restrained but by despotic governments.

Summary:

Election Date: October 25, 1851

Votes For Ratification: 67562

Votes Against Ratification: 9933

Percent for Ratification: 87%

Percent Against Ratification: 13%

Notes: Election was held 10/23/1851-10/25/1851.

Amendment Source: 1851 Virginia Constitution

Effective Date Source:

XII

That the freedom of the press is one of the great bulwarks of liberty, and can never be restrained but by despotic governments.

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