Chap. 20.—An ACT Prescribing the Oath of Office.

Approved March 15, 1870.

1. Be it enacted by the general assembly, That all persons,
before entering upon the discharge of any function as officers
of this state, shall take and subscribe the following oath or
affirmation : °

of, , do declare myself a citizen of the common-
wealth of Virginia, and do solemnly swear (or affirm) that J
will support and maintain the constitution and laws of the
United States and the constitution and laws of the state of
Virginia; that I recognize and accept the civil and political
equality of all men before the law, and that I will faithfully
perform the duty of to the best of my ability. So
help me God. Provided that all such officers elected or ap-
pointed to office within twelve months from the passage of
this act, shall take, subscribe, and file in the office of the sec-
retary of the commonwealth an. oath in the form following:

<7, ,do solemnly swear or affirm that I have never
taken an oath as a member of congress, or as an officer of the
United States, or as a member of any state legislature, or as
an executive or judicial officer of any state, to support the
constitution of the United States, and afterwards engaged in
insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or com-
fort to the enemies thereof. So helpme God. Or in lieu of
the last oath, the following.shall be taken:

“], , do solemnly swear or affirm that I have, by act
of congress of the United States, been relieved from the disa-
bilities imposed upon me by the fourteenth amendment of the
constitution of the United States. So help me God.”

2. Sections one, two, and three of chapter thirteen, Code of
Virginia (1860), are hereby repealed.

3. This act shall be in force from its passage.