Subj : UNITED STATES: VIRGINIA INTRODUCES LGBTI RIGHTS LEGISLATION
To : All
From : Major Queen
Date : Tue Apr 14 2020 02:24 pm
APRIL 14, 2020 SOURCE EXPRESS
The state of Virginia has signed several LGBTI+ rights bills into law, that
includes a repeal of the states statutory same-sex marriage ban, and
extensions to transgender rights.
The new bills which were signed into law by Governor Ralph Northam will
officially come into effect from the 1st of July, and will dramatically
change the lives of many LGBTI+ people living in the state.
Once the laws come into effect, the new legislation will prohibit health
insurance companies from discriminating against trans patients and also allow
voters to cast a ballot without showing a photo ID, legislation specifically
put in place to ease difficulties faced by trans voters.
The new legislation will also officially repeal Virginia's ban on same-sex
marriage and ease requirements for updating a birth certificate's gender
marker.
"This legislation sends a strong, clear message-Virginia is a place where all
people are welcome to live, work, visit, and raise a family," said Governor
Northam.
"We are building an inclusive Commonwealth where there is opportunity for
everyone, and everyone is treated fairly. No longer will LGBTQ Virginians
have to fear being fired, evicted, or denied service in public places because
of who they are."
"With the Governor's signing of the Virginia Values Act, we have made
discrimination against our gay, lesbian and transgender friends, family,
neighbors and co-workers in employment, housing and public accommodation
illegal in the Commonwealth of Virginia," said Speaker of the House Eileen
Filler-Corn.
"It is now the law of the land that every Virginian can work hard, earn a
living wage, and live their lives without fear of discrimination based on who
they are or who they love. A tremendous victory."
Additionally, the Virginia Values Act, which adds sexual orientation and
gender identity to the state's nondiscrimination law, was also signed into
law, legislation to expand Virginia's hate crimes laws to include LGBTI+
people, ensure fair treatment of trans public school students, and enable
individuals living in the state to select "non-binary" on their driver's
license applications.
