House committee defeats bill banning discrimination in state employment

The Republican-controlled House Professions/Occupations and Administrative Process Subcommittee defeated Sen. Donald McEachin’s (D-Henrico County) legislation that would have banned discrimination in the state employment based on sexual orientation.

The bill passed the Senate with bipartisan support 24-16.

Thirty-one states and the District of Columbia have passed state employment non-discrimination laws.

“Nobody in Virginia should be fired from their job because of who they love.  That is wrong. Period,” said Del. Ken Plum (D- Fairfax).  “Not only is this bill unjust, but it is bad for Virginia’s economy.  The most talented teachers, police, firefighters, doctors, and many others may choose to re-locate to Maryland or D.C. where laws prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation.  It is disconcerting the House Republicans choose to support discrimination and hindering the Commonwealth’s economy in order to satisfy an extreme ideology.”