Virginia Senate advances anti-discrimination legislation

The Virginia Senate voted Thursday to pass legislation banning discrimination across several areas based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

The bill, SB 868, authored by State Sen. Adam Ebbin, D-Alexandria, would prohibit public accommodations, employment, credit, and housing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

The bill passed the State Senate on a solid 30-9 vote.

“The journey is not complete until every person, members of the LGBTQ community, people of color, religious minorities, and veterans, are treated like anyone else under the law,” Ebbin said after the vote. “I am proud that my Senate colleagues understand that we have to move forward on this issue.”

“It is unacceptable that in 2020 people can be denied housing, employment, or public accommodations because of who they are and who they love” State Sen. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, said Thursday. “We cannot say that we are a Commonwealth that is inclusive of all, and have such discriminatory practices on our books.”

“I am proud my Senate colleagues understand that it is time that we put an end to discriminatory practices based on sexual orientation and gender identity,” State Sen. Jennifer Boysko, D-Herndon, said. “As a parent of a member of the LGBTQ community and on behalf of all who have loved ones who identify as LGBTQ, it is time that Virginia becomes a place that is truly welcoming and open to all.”