Virginia House Kills Bills Affecting National Guard LGBT Service Members

On Tuesday, a Virginia House committee dismissed two bills addressing the status of gay and lesbian service members in the Virginia National Guard. House Bill 2474, sponsored by Del. Robert G. Marshall (R-Prince William) proposed a ban on allowing gay and lesbian service members to serve openly, while House Bill 2345 asked that the Virginia National Guard adhere to the regulations followed by the U.S. Department of Defense. The House Rules Panel rejected HB 2474 on the grounds that the disparity between the National Guard?s standards and those of other armed services could lead to a "management and leadership nightmare" should they ever serve together. Del. Bill Janis (R-Henrico) also noted the possibility of federal funding being compromised by the change. Executive Director of Equality Virginia, James Parrish, argued that the issue should be deferred to the governor and the Guard?s leadership. HB 2345, sponsored by Del. Joseph D. Morrissey (D-Henrico) was also abandoned in a quick move by the panel following their decision on Marshall?s bill.Related Media Coverage:Richmond Times-Dispatch - February 2, 2011"Bills Regarding Gays in the Va. National Guard Die in Committee"http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/2011/feb/02/tdmain06-bills-regarding-gays-in-the-va-national-g-ar-814301/

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