From the Democratic Party of Virginia:
STATEMENT: Senator Adam Ebbin Releases Statement on Sears Opposing Workplace Protections for Gay People
Ebbin was the first openly gay member of the Virginia House of Delegates and State Senate
VIRGINIA – Today, Senator Adam Ebbin released the below statement following new reporting that Winsome Earle-Sears said that she would oppose workplace protections for gay people, block same-sex couples from adopting children, and that she believes being gay is an “immoral lifestyle choice.”
“I am horrified that Winsome Earle-Sears – as she makes clear in this survey – opposes same-sex marriages, adoptions, and workplace protections for gay people, and believes that being gay is an ‘immoral lifestyle choice.’ It’s especially concerning that since this survey was unearthed, Sears has refused to comment – suggesting nothing has changed about her position.
“As a Virginian and the first openly gay member of the General Assembly, I believe we must protect the fundamental freedoms of Virginians, no matter who they are or who they love. And every Virginian deserves a Governor who will always stand up for them. It’s clear Winsome Earle-Sears will not do that.”
Read More About Winsome Earle-Sears Extreme Record Attacking Gay Rights:
- Sears said in a candidate questionnaire that she would oppose workplace protections for gay people, block same-sex couples from adopting children and that she believes homosexuality is an “immoral lifestyle choice.”
- Sears left a handwritten note on a bill protecting marriage equality that she is “morally opposed” to the legislation.
- It’s highly unusual for a Lt. Governor to leave a note while signing a bill.
- During an interview with Richmond’s 8 News, Sears doubled down on her opposition to marriage equality and refused to say that she would support anything other than civil unions for same-sex couples
- Sears said she supported same-sex civil unions but dodged questions about whether she would support a ban on same-sex marriage in Virginia.
- Sears has sidestepped questions about whether she would support banning gay marriage in Virginia, saying in 2022:
- “I’ve been on the record as saying that, when it comes to civil unions, I’m all for that.”
- Sears gave the 2025 Commencement Speech at Regent University, a Christian college that describes “homosexual conduct” as “indecent” and “obscene” and at Atlantic Shores Christian School which declares that homosexuality and bisexuality are “sinful and prohibited.”
