From the Virginia Senate Democratic caucus…
All 20 Democratic Senators support legislation
sponsored by Sen. McEachin and Sen. Ebbin
RICHMOND, VA — On a 24-16 vote today the Virginia Senate passed landmark employment protections for LGBT Virginians in state government. There are currently no protections in law for LGBT citizens who are discriminated against on the job in Virginia government.
Senator Donald McEachin (D-Henrico) said, "This bill would write into the law a fundamental Virginia value, equal protection, and protect all state employees against being discriminated against for any reason. I am glad the Senate voted today for SB 701. The time has come for Virginia law to reflect the will of the majority of Virginia's citizens."
Senator Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria) said, "In 1970, Governor Linwood Holton signed an executive order prohibiting discrimination in state employment. 35 years later, Governor Mark Warner signed an executive order expanding those protections to include sexual orientation, and Governor Tim Kaine's first executive order did the same. No state employee should ever doubt Virginia's commitment to equal opportunity employment for all. This bill assures state employees that they will be judged solely on their merits and that discrimination has no place in Virginia."
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