Anti-discrimination package headed to governor for signature

The State Senate voted 27-13 Wednesday to pass the Virginia Values Act, an omnibus bill that tackles anti-discrimination.

The vote, on the heels of a 54-46 vote to approve the legislation in the House, sends the bill to Gov. Ralph Northam’s desk for his signature to make it the law of the Commonwealth.

The bill, SB 868, introduced by Sen. Adam Ebbin, D-Alexandria, incorporates Sen. Jennifer McClellan’s SB66 and Sen. Jennifer Boysko’s SB159, prohibiting discrimination in public accommodations, employment, credit, and housing based on sexual orientation or gender identity

“The Virginia Values Act represents decades worth of hard work on the part of advocates, constituents, and many colleagues right here in the legislature,” Ebbin said. “It is long past time that every Virginian — members of the LGBTQ community, religious minorities, people of color, and veterans — be treated equally under the law.”

“For too long, LGBTQ Virginians have been subjected to unfair, discriminatory practices, and we have been too slow to make progress” said McClellan, D-Richmond. “We still have work to do to ensure that all Virginians are treated equally, but the passage of the Virginia Values Act represents a great step in the right direction towards ensuring LGBTQ equality in Virginia.”

“I am so pleased that my House colleagues share our values agreeing to end to discriminatory practices based on sexual orientation and gender identity,” said Boysko, D-Fairfax. “On behalf of all of the moms and dads, brothers and sisters, grandparents and friends who have loved ones in the LGBTQ community, it is time that Virginia becomes a place that is truly welcoming and open to all.”

How our local reps voted on the Virginia Values Act

• John Avoli, R-Staunton: no
• Chris Runion, R-Bridgewater: no
• Ronnie Campbell, R-Fairfield: no
• Emmett Hanger, R-Mount Solon: yes

Story by Chris Graham