We finally did it, John.

For the first time ever, the House of Delegates has passed legislation to protect LGBTQ Virginians from discrimination!

For years, House leadership blocked bills like the Virginia Values Act, even though a supermajority of Virginians support protecting LGBTQ people from discrimination.

Now, LGBTQ nondiscrimination protections have cleared BOTH the House and Senate—with bipartisan support—and with the House Speaker herself as a chief co-patron.  

We’ve come a long way, but our work isn’t over yet. The Senate and House have passed their bills, but both bills still need to be confirmed by the other chamber. It may be a few weeks yet before we can officially celebrate.

In the meantime, we must keep the Virginia Values Act at the top of our lawmakers’ minds so it can move swiftly through this final stage.

John, we’re about to make Virginia the first state in the South to ensure LGBTQ people are explicitly protected from discrimination. Don’t be left out of this historic moment—take that moment to thank each lawmaker who voted YES.

Thanks,

Vee Lamneck,
Executive Director
 

PS: If you didn't make it to the votes this week, join us at our Crowd the Capitol lobby days happening on Tuesdays through February 25. We'll start each day at The Commonwealth, 901 Bank St, Richmond, VA 23219. Click here to learn more and sign up.