Virginia Values Act Advances to Gov. Northam’s Desk

Excellent news from the Virginia Senate Democrats:

VIRGINIA VALUES ACT ADVANCES TO GOVERNOR’S DESK

RICHMOND –Today, Senate Democrats applaud the passage of the Virginia Values Act, an omnibus bill that tackles anti-discrimination. In November, Senate Democrats highlighted housing non-discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity as a key priority for the 2020 legislative session. This afternoon, Senator Adam Ebbin’s SB 868, which incorporates Senator Jennifer McClellan’s SB66 and Senator Jennifer Boysko’s SB159, prohibiting discrimination in public accommodations, employment, credit, and housing based on sexual orientation or gender identity, cleared its final legislative hurdle and now heads to Governor Northam’s desk for his signature. Senator Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria), Senator Jennifer McClellan (D-Richmond), and Senator Jennifer Boysko (D-Fairfax) issued the following statements:

“The Virginia Values Act represents decades worth of hard work on the part of advocates, constituents, and many colleagues right here in the legislature,” said Senator Ebbin. “It is long past time that every Virginian — members of the LGBTQ community, religious minorities, people of color, and veterans — be treated equally under the law.”

“For too long, LGBTQ Virginians have been subjected to unfair, discriminatory practices, and we have been too slow to make progress” said Senator McClellan. “We still have work to do to ensure that all Virginians are treated equally, but the passage of the Virginia Values Act represents a great step in the right direction towards ensuring LGBTQ equality in Virginia.”

“I am so pleased that my House colleagues share our values agreeing to end to discriminatory practices based on sexual orientation and gender identity,” said Senator Boysko. “On behalf of all of the moms and dads, brothers and sisters, grandparents and friends who have loved ones in the LGBTQ community, it is time that Virginia becomes a place that is truly welcoming and open to all.”