John, This week, we celebrated the ceremonial signing of the Virginia Values Act with bill patrons Senator Adam Ebbin and Delegate Mark Sickles. Also in attendance at the celebration were Senator Jennifer Boysko, Senator Jennifer McClellan, and Delegate Mark Levine who all patroned their own individual nondiscrimination bills and became chief co-patrons of the Virginia Values Act. Though she was unable to attend in-person, we want to recognize Delegate Delores McQuinn who was also a chief co-patron and remains a long-time equality advocate and friend. In his remarks, Sen. Ebbin described the law as, “the most expansive civil rights legislation in Virginia’s history." Now, LGBTQ Virginians will no longer have to live under the threat that we’ll be targeted in the workplace, denied a place to live, or refused service in restaurants and shops because of who we are. Also included in the law are measures that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, disability and, status as a veteran. In the words of our executive director, Vee Lamneck, "At a time when the call for racial justice is ringing loud in our state and across the country, it is incredibly significant that this law is so comprehensive. That a Black, queer woman who has served her country and is living with a disability can look at the Virginia Values Act and know that she matters." | |
Because of the hard work and collective advocacy of thousands of volunteers, supporters, and donors over the years, Virginia is now the first state in the South to enact comprehensive nondiscrimination protections for the LGBTQ community. As long-time ally Governor Ralph Northam said in his remarks, "No longer will LGBTQ Virginians have to fear being fired, evicted, or denied service in public spaces because of who they are." While we all couldn't be together in-person to celebrate at the ceremonial signing, we felt the presence of decades of advocates in the room with us. Our heartfelt thanks all of the volunteers, community leaders, business leaders, faith leaders, and lawmakers who came together to make 2020 the year for LGBTQ equality in Virginia. This truly is a victory for ALL Virginians — our state is more dynamic, and our economy stronger, when everyone feels welcome here. We could not have done this without you and we thank you for your advocacy and support. This victory is because of you! In celebration, - All of us at Equality Virginia | |
