Martinsville Del. Ward Armstrong speaks at Equality Virginia news conference Tuesday in Richmond |
Protections for gay and lesbian Virginians are back before the General Assembly this year, and supporters say their prospects are improving.
Democratic lawmakers and members of the group Equality Virginia outlined several bills at a Capitol News Conference Tuesday morning.
The proposals include legislation that would outlaw discrimination in public employment based on sexual orientation. Other proposals would allow state and local governments to offer benefits for same-sex couples and strengthen protections against bullying.
Martinsville Delegate and House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong attended the news conference. "I think most Virginians believe that there should not be any form of discrimination in the workplace, that your work performance, how you do your job is the only thing that matters," Armstrong said in an interview.
Similar measures have failed in the past, but supporters say they’re encouraged that at least a half dozen Republicans are now on board.
