Earlier today,the Virginia Senate passed two bills that would prevent LGBTQ Virginians from discrimination in housing and public employment. SB 423 would revise Virginia’s Fair Housing Law to include non-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity. SB 202 would prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in public employment – that now only protect state employees by way of executive order. This law also expands protection to local government employees and employees of school districts.
“Both parties came together today to pass non-discrimination protections consistent with the views of a majority of Virginians who believe gay and transgender people should be able to work and live free from discrimination,” said James Parrish, Executive Director for Equality Virginia. “We are hopeful that with a new Speaker, and many new pro-equality members, that these bills will pass in the House of Delegates, where they have stopped short of protecting LGBT Virginians in the past.”
Both bills are now headed to the House of Delegates. If you want to get involved, Equality Virginia has set up a web page that connects you to your legislator(s). Follow this link to let your Delegate know you support this legislation: bit.ly/2018EqualityAgenda
