![Adamebbin](https://www.advocate.com/media-library/adamebbin.jpg?id=32718348&width=1200&height=1666)
CONTACTStaffCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
Democratic lawmakers in Virginia announced support Tuesday for a bill that would make it illegal to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in the state work force and in the Virginia National Guard.
According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, "Similar legislation has failed in past General Assembly sessions, but lawmakers said there is growing bipartisan support for legislation this time around to give equal protection under the law and in public employment to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Virginians."
Last year, Gov. Bob McDonnell signed an executive directive, which lacks the force of law to forbid discrimination in the state work force after Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli issued a legal opinion saying that state law did not authorize public colleges and universities to include sexual orientation in their nondiscrimination policies.
The bill, which will be considered this week, is sponsored in the house by Del. Adam Ebbin, the only openly gay member of the legislature, and in the senate by Sen. A. Donald McEachin.
Also under consideration are bills to strengthen antibullying laws in schools, allow local governments to set their own employee benefits policies, and repeal a 2006 constitutional amendment that bans same-sex marriages and civil unions.
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Meet all 37 of the queer women in this season's WNBA
April 17 2024 11:24 AM
Here are the 15 gayest travel destinations in the world: report
March 26 2024 9:23 AM
21+ steamy photos of Scotland’s finest gay men in Elska Glasgow
February 01 2024 10:07 PM
More Than 50 of Our Favorite LGBTQ+ Moms
May 12 2024 11:44 AM
Conjoined twins Lori Schappell and trans man George Schappell dead at 62
April 27 2024 6:13 PM
Latest Stories
Kamala Harris rides wave of Democratic energy at kickoff event in Wisconsin
July 23 2024 3:36 PM
'Devastated:' A six-week abortion ban will go into effect in Iowa next week
July 23 2024 2:28 PM
Four hours, 44,000 Black women, and one Zoom call
July 23 2024 2:17 PM
Record 1.2 million people show out for Cologne’s Pride parade
July 23 2024 10:51 AM
Here's how far-right activist Leonard Leo helped fund Bud Light boycott
July 23 2024 10:27 AM
Elon Musk’s comments about his trans daughter prove why she doesn’t speak to him
July 23 2024 9:16 AM
Nancy Pelosi endorses Kamala Harris for president
July 22 2024 4:07 PM
Charli XCX declares Kamala Harris IS brat & our next President's campaign agrees
July 22 2024 3:08 PM