Virginia Bans LGBT+ Discrimination Becoming The First Southern State To Do So
April 16, 2020Virginia’s governor, Democratic Ralph Northam, made Virginia the first Southern state to sign into law anti-discrimination legislation protecting LGBT+ people from discrimination.
This legislation bans discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in housing, public or private employment, public spaces and credit transactions while also allowing individuals to sue over alleged discrimination.
Gov. Northam said in a statement: “This legislation sends a strong, clear message - Virginia is a place where all people are welcome to live, work, visit, and raise a family.
“We are building an inclusive Commonwealth where there is opportunity for everyone, and everyone is treated fairly. No longer will LGBTQ Virginians have to fear being fired, evicted, or denied service in public places because of who they are.”
Openly gay lawmaker Sen. Adam Ebbin, who sponsored the act in the state Senate, talked about the importance of this legislation, especially amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Ebbin said in a statement: “Sadly, during times of crisis like these, discrimination rises, and its effects become more apparent. When jobs are scarce and housing unaffordable, the reality of who you are must be an additional hurdle to putting food on the table or providing shelter for your family. This law provides important new protections.”
According to the ‘Daily Mail’, the non-discrimination bill, called the Virginia Values Act, goes into effect from July 1.
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