A proposed constitutional amendment that prohibits same-sex marriage will not be used to harm a variety of contracts and agreements unrelated to marriage, Virginia’s attorney general said Thursday.

The legal opinion of Attorney General Bob McDonnell, a recently elected Republican, is a response to state legislators who questioned if language in the amendment could be interpreted to obstruct wills, financial contracts, domestic violence protections and medical directives between unmarried people. Others, including a local chamber of commerce, have expressed similar concerns.