Virginia's Democrat-led Senate on Tuesday passed constitutional amendments on abortion and voting rights that were quickly lambasted by Republicans who could use the issues as the party tries to regain ground in November's statewide elections.

The votes followed an emotional floor debate on abortion — and an unusual parliamentary tussle over whether the Democratic leader had violated the chamber’s decorum,

RICHMOND, Va. (CN) — The Virginia Senate voted Tuesday to advance a trio of constitutional amendments to guarantee Virginians' right to abortion care, automatically restore voting rights to disenfranchised felons and remove an antiquated law banning same-sex marriage .

Members of the General Assembly are moving forward with three constitutional amendments proposed by Democrats.But they rejected an amendment supported by Republicans.

The Virginia House of Delegates passed three state constitutional amendments Tuesday that would enshrine in state law reproductive rights, same-sex marriage and automatic restoration of voting

The amendment with the most bipartisan support was the resolution protecting marriage equality. Following a 58-35 vote supporting the proposal, Democratic Del. Mark Sickles described his belief that the resolution reflects an evolving Virginia.

The Virginia House of Delegates has passed resolutions to protect abortion, voting rights, and marriage equality, paving the way for constitutional amendments.

The Democratic-led Virginia Senate has voted to enshrine the right to an abortion and to vote in the state's constitution.