Va. Governor Removes Gays From Discrimination Policy

GOP's McDonnell excises protection for state workers
By Will McCahill,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 17, 2010 8:31 PM CST
Va. Governor Removes Gays From Discrimination Policy
Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell.   (AP Photo)

Gay state workers in Virginia are no longer protected from discrimination after new Republican governor Bob McDonnell excised sexual orientation from the state’s policy. McDonnell’s predecessor, Democrat Tim Kaine, added protection for homosexuals and veterans days after he took office in 2006, Talking Points Memo notes; McDonnell aides say the Feb. 5 executive order prevents all discrimination, but the gay press has nevertheless taken him to task.

Writes Samir Luther of McDonnell for Human Rights Campaign, “His message could hardly be clearer: discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is not prohibited.” Echoes GayPolitics.com: “This is a sad step backward for state workers.”
(More gay rights stories.)

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