Del. Irene Shin “Furious” That Youngkin’s Amendment of Her Bill Protecting Outward Expressions of Religious Faith Would “create legal protections for discriminatory and bigoted policies, acts and beliefs under the guise of religion”

RICHMOND, VA – Last week, Governor Youngkin amended Delegate Irene Shin’s bill, HB1063, which would ensure that outward expressions of faith, such as headdresses, grooming practices, yarmulkes, or religious symbols would be protected from discrimination. The Governor’s amendment drastically changes the scope of the bill, and would protect workplace discrimination and bigotry in the future under the guise of religious expression.

HB1063 was an integral bill part of the Virginia AAPI Caucus’ inaugural legislative agenda that unanimously passed both the House and the Senate.

Statement of Delegate Irene Shin:

“This amendment from Governor Youngkin perverts the intention of this legislation and the legislative body. This bill was passed on a bipartisan basis out of both chambers with unanimous support. And in the face of this bipartisan collaboration, the Governor has drastically changed the scope and intent of this bill and warped into something much more insidious.

“The practical implications of the Governor’s amendment would be to create legal protections for discriminatory and bigoted policies, acts and beliefs under the guise of religion. The fact that this Administration would co-opt a universally approved bipartisan measure designed to ensure equal protections and weaponize it to advance their agenda of discrimination and division, while sadly unsurprising, is still appalling.

“Time and time again Governor Youngkin has proven to be a wolf in fleece clothing. In spite of his promise to serve all Virginians and his continuous rhetoric about unity and common ground, he has continued to drive an agenda of culture war partisanship and fan the flames of division.”

Delegate Irene Shin (D-Fairfax) represents the 86th District in the Virginia House of Delegates. Delegate Shin was first elected in 2021. Delegate Shin represents the Town of Herndon, and parts of Fairfax and Loudoun Counties. Delegate Shin currently serves on the Counties, Cities and Towns Committee, Counties, Cities and Towns Subcommittee #2, and the Communications, Innovation and Technology Committee. Delegate Shin’s 2022 Legislative Agenda can be viewed here. Delegate Shin lives in the beautiful Town of Herndon in Fairfax County.