by Jeff B White
Virginia now welcomes ALL lovers! Today Gov. Ralph Northam signed the Virginia Values Act into law, guaranteeing that every LGBTQ+ Virginian is shielded from discrimination under state law. The National Equality Action Team (NEAT) partnered with the Virginia Values Coalition to make sure Virginians' voices reached state lawmakers. Thanks to our committed volunteers nationwide, NEAT placed nearly 30,000 calls connecting voters with their representatives and the Governor throughout the campaign.
“I'm thrilled that Governor Northam has signed the Virginia Values Act! As a NEAT volunteer, I called voters to help them make their voices heard easily.”, said Lisa Danz, who made calls from California during the campaign, “This campaign was especially exciting because our work kept shifting as the bill moved through both chambers and then reached the Governor's desk. I'm proud of Virginia voters for speaking up, and I'm proud to have helped some of them do so. Thank you, Governor Northam and Virginia legislators, for making this happen!”
Twenty states and more than 250 towns nationwide have already enacted laws protecting their LGBTQ+ residents, making Virginia the twenty-first state to do so and the first in the South to declare itself safe for all. The bill bars discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in housing, public or private employment, public spaces and credit transactions. It also sets out the legal claims that allow individuals to sue over alleged discrimination.
“With this law enacted, Virginia's leaders have shown they understand that LGBTQ+ Virginians deserve respect and protections in their state, just as much as any other resident,” said Brian Silva, Founder and Executive Director of NEAT. “I am extremely proud of our volunteers for their dedicated work and adaptability during this campaign.”
Virginia now welcomes ALL lovers! Today Gov. Ralph Northam signed the Virginia Values Act into law, guaranteeing that every LGBTQ+ Virginian is shielded from discrimination under state law. The National Equality Action Team (NEAT) partnered with the Virginia Values Coalition to make sure Virginians' voices reached state lawmakers. Thanks to our committed volunteers nationwide, NEAT placed nearly 30,000 calls connecting voters with their representatives and the Governor throughout the campaign.
“I'm thrilled that Governor Northam has signed the Virginia Values Act! As a NEAT volunteer, I called voters to help them make their voices heard easily.”, said Lisa Danz, who made calls from California during the campaign, “This campaign was especially exciting because our work kept shifting as the bill moved through both chambers and then reached the Governor's desk. I'm proud of Virginia voters for speaking up, and I'm proud to have helped some of them do so. Thank you, Governor Northam and Virginia legislators, for making this happen!”
Twenty states and more than 250 towns nationwide have already enacted laws protecting their LGBTQ+ residents, making Virginia the twenty-first state to do so and the first in the South to declare itself safe for all. The bill bars discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in housing, public or private employment, public spaces and credit transactions. It also sets out the legal claims that allow individuals to sue over alleged discrimination.
“With this law enacted, Virginia's leaders have shown they understand that LGBTQ+ Virginians deserve respect and protections in their state, just as much as any other resident,” said Brian Silva, Founder and Executive Director of NEAT. “I am extremely proud of our volunteers for their dedicated work and adaptability during this campaign.”
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