Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed HB 18 and SB 7 on Tuesday to expand criminal penalties against bigotry and close a serious gap in the code by ensuring ethnicity is explicitly recognized among the protected classes.
“Today we come together as Virginians to sign legislation that builds the framework to take action because hatred, intolerance, and antisemitism have no place in the Commonwealth,” Youngkin said. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to prioritize the safety and security of all Virginians as our Commonwealth continues to be a beacon of freedom and opportunity.”
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares said that the unanimous passage of the bill “reflects the shared commitment across party lines of upholding the principles of equality and justice in Virginia.”
State Sen. Bryce Reeves was present at the passage of the legislation.
“As Israel stands on the verge of a two-front war, I have personally witnessed the atrocities imposed upon the Jewish people based on antisemitic beliefs. We have a moral obligation to stamp it out in the Commonwealth of Virginia and these United States. I have and will continue to stand with Israel and I’m proud to have been the Chief Patron of this important legislation and thank my democrat colleagues for their co-patrons and bipartisan support,” Reeves said.
Del. Dan Helmer said he is the grandson of Holocaust survivors and a Jewish parent to children who have been confronted with antisemitism.
“I know how important it is that all Virginians are safe regardless of their ethnicity. I am thankful to Speaker Don Scott and other leaders in the House as well as Senator Bryce Reeves and Governor Youngkin for helping us pass this critical legislation,” Helmer said.
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Rebecca Barnabi
