Equality

The mission of full LGBTQ+ equality does not stop with marriage equality.  Too many of our friends, family, and neighbors still live with systemic inequality, and even the fear of physical violence. Thanks to strong Democratic leadership, in the 2020 session, Virginia passed the Virginia Values Act and became the first southern state to pass legislation extending sweeping anti-discrimination protections to LGBTQ+ people. The legislation added sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes in housing, employment and public accommodations, and established a new framework for people who feel they have been discriminated against to take legal action against the offending party. Those causes of action would also apply to discrimination based on race, age, sex, religion, pregnancy, veteran status and other categories. During the 2018 session, I was a co-patron on Delegate Marcus Simon’s bill HB 75, which would have repealed the no-longer-valid statutory prohibitions on same-sex marriage and civil unions that can still be found in the Virginia Code. In 2022, I called for a vote in the full House Privileges and Elections Committee for SJ 5, which would have repealed the same section of code, after Republicans tried to kill the bill in subcommittee without a fair hearing. As an adoptive parent, I know how discrimination, which is so hurtful, must never be allowed to keep loving potential parents from the wonderful opportunity to adopt a child. I will continue to fight discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, or religion.

I am proud to have voted to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment in 2020, making Virginia the 38th and final state to ratify the amendment, which requires ratification from three-quarters of state legislatures to take effect. Congress issued a final deadline for ratification in 1982, but the Constitution is silent on amendments expiring and if Congress can set a date for that to happen. The Supreme Court will decide whether to hear the case on ratification soon. Until then, Virginia has done its part.

I am also a strong supporter of housing equality and equality for those who are differently abled. This session I introduced HB 595 to create the Special Assistant to the Governor for Disability Rights Advocacy. While the bill technically failed, I was able to secure a budget amendment that protects the position. The Special Assistant will provide expert guidance on disability accommodation to the Governor’s office and state agencies, providing a check to ensure that those who are differently abled are included in and properly served by Virginia government. I also introduced two manufactured housing bills this year and was able to pass HB 1065, which will convene a work group to meet and consider rental agreements in manufactured home parks. The information they compile will be instrumental next session as I continue to fight for tenants’ rights.