McEachin and Ebbin to Introduce Bill Protecting LGBT State Employees
State senators joined by over 45 co-patrons and community leaders supporting SB 701
RICHMOND, VA — Today, Senator Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria) and Senator Donald McEachin (D-Henrico) will join co-patrons from the House and Senate to announce support for Senate Bill 701. Equality Virginia and community leaders in support of protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender state employees from discrimination will also be available for comment.
WHO: Senator Donald McEachin, Senator Adam Ebbin, and members of Equality Virginia.
WHAT: SB 701 Press Conference
WHERE: House Briefing Room
WHEN: TODAY, Thursday, January 17th at 9:30 AM
WHAT: SB 701 Press Conference
WHERE: House Briefing Room
WHEN: TODAY, Thursday, January 17th at 9:30 AM
Background
There are currently no employment protections for LGBT state employees in Virginia. Currently there are no workplace protections at the state or federal level for sexual orientation or gender identity and expression. Consistent polling shows that 90% of Virginians believe that LGBT people should have the right to work for the government without discrimination.
Most businesses already extend these protections to their employees, leaving the state government at a competitive disadvantage. In Virginia, most top private employers already extend these protections leaving state government at a competitive disadvantage. Eighty percent of Virginia’s top 25 largest private employers have policies including at least sexual orientation which helps in recruiting and retaining top talent.
There are currently no employment protections for LGBT state employees in Virginia. Currently there are no workplace protections at the state or federal level for sexual orientation or gender identity and expression. Consistent polling shows that 90% of Virginians believe that LGBT people should have the right to work for the government without discrimination.
Most businesses already extend these protections to their employees, leaving the state government at a competitive disadvantage. In Virginia, most top private employers already extend these protections leaving state government at a competitive disadvantage. Eighty percent of Virginia’s top 25 largest private employers have policies including at least sexual orientation which helps in recruiting and retaining top talent.
Bill 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, or status as a special disabled veteran or other veteran covered by the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, as amended. The bill defines “sexual orientation” as a person’s actual or perceived heterosexuality, bisexuality, homosexuality, or gender identity or expression.”
