Kathy and Teri Doxsee joined Equality Virginia on Tuesday, February 2 for Lobby Day. The focus this year was encouraging our legislators to pass bills protecting state public employees from discrimination including sexual orientation and gender identity. We were able to speak to many of our legislators during our visit to Richmond and attended a senate committee hearing which passed a bill granting local governments authority to determine who they can provide benefits to (Arlington extended benefits to same-sex partners until the state intervened 15 years ago.) Both of these bills have now passed the senate and will go to the House of Delegates where they will be considered after the 16th of February when Senate bills “cross over” to the House.
History was made this week by passing the state employee nondiscrimination bill, SB 66, in the Virginia Senate! This is the first time a bill granting basic rights to Virginia’s GLBT residents has passed either house of the legislature. Thanks to everyone who participated in the letter writing campaign! Now it is time to thank your state senators, let your delegates know how you feel about these bills and encourage Governor McDonnell to support anti-discrimination legislation.
