Discrimination; prohibited in state employment. (SB248)
Introduced By
Sen. Don McEachin (D-Richmond) with support from co-patron Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria)
Progress
✓ |
Introduced |
✗ |
Passed Committee |
☐ |
Passed House |
☐ |
Passed Senate |
☐ |
Signed by Governor |
☐ |
Became Law |
Description
Nondiscrimination in state employment. Prohibits discrimination in state employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or status as a special disabled veteran or other veteran covered by the Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, as amended. The bill also defines "sexual orientation" and "gender identity." Read the Bill »
Outcome
Bill Has Failed
History
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 01/03/2014 | Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/08/14 14103212D |
| 01/03/2014 | Referred to Committee on General Laws and Technology |
| 01/10/2014 | Introduced bill reprinted 14103212D |
| 01/13/2014 | Passed by for the day in General Laws and Technology (10-Y 0-N) |
| 01/20/2014 | Failed to report (defeated) in General Laws and Technology (7-Y 0-N) |
| 01/20/2014 | Impact statement from DPB (SB248) |
| 01/20/2014 | Committee amendments agreed to |
| 01/20/2014 | Failed to report (defeated) in General Laws and Technology (7-Y 7-N) |
| 01/23/2014 | Impact statement from DPB (SB248) |
Comments
Equality Virginia supports this bill because no Virginian should fear losing their job because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The ACLU of Virginia supports this legislation that would codify for the first time a legislative policy against workplace discrimination against state employees. The bill would prohibit discrimination by any state agency (including colleges and universities) based on sex, age, national origin, race, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth, sexual orientation and gender identity.
This bill is vital to the well-being of Virginia--because without basic employment protections for state workers, our universities and governments will suffer in recruiting efforts. Also, private employers who consider moving to Virginia may decide the Commonwealth is not a good place for their employees. And existing Virginia companies may have trouble in recruiting--even already protected workers may not choose to work in a state that does not protect all its workers.
From a faith perspective, many of us recognize that the work people do is more than a paycheck. It is an expression of their very personhood, a personhood that is divine in its origins. Some faiths explicitly understand work as an act of worship. In that sense, failing to protect workers on the job is to deny the God in whose image they are created.
POFEV: People of Faith for Equality in Virginia strongly supports this bill.