LGBT-Inclusive Initiatives Garner Support in Virginia's Legislature

A number of state legislative initiatives aimed at providing protections for LGBT people garnered support from Democratic lawmakers in Virginia this Tuesday. House Bill 2046, sponsored by Del. Adam P. Ebbin, D-Alexandria, and Senate Bill 747, sponsored by Sen. A. Donald McEachin, D-Henrico, would both provide legal protection against discrimination in the public workforce based on sexual orientation. Ebbin, the only openly gay member of Virginia?s legislature, noted that his bill ?makes good business sense? considering that Virginia?s top 10 employers already have policies that protect gay and lesbian people from discrimination.  Openly gay Army captain Anthony Woods, who was discharged from the military for refusing to conceal his sexual orientation after serving two tours in Iraq, has joined Del. Joseph D. Morrissey, D-Henrico, in the backing of House Bill 2345, which seeks to end discrimination based on sexual orientation in the Virginia National Guard. Despite a lack of bipartisan support for such initiatives during General Assembly sessions of the past, many in the legislature are optimistic that opinions on matters of equality are changing across the political board. The sponsorship of House Bill 1964, which would protect public employees from discrimination based on sexual orientation, by Republican Del. Thomas Davis Rust has been highlighted as an example of this change. The bills will be considered this week. Lawmakers are also promoting legislation that would toughen anti-bullying laws for Virginia schools, give local governments the power to regulate benefits policies for employees and repeal a 2006 amendment to the Virginia Constitution that prohibits marriage equality.Related Media Coverage:Richmond Times-Dispatch - January 26, 2011"Democratic Lawmakers Back Protection for Gays"http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/2011/jan/26/tdmain06-democratic-lawmakers-back-protections-for-ar-798779/

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