Richmond, Virginia - Legislation introduced by Senators Adam Ebbin, (D-Alexandria), and A. Donald McEachin (D-Henrico), will be heard before the Virginia Senate’s Committee on General Laws and Technology on Monday, January 30th.

While former Governors Mark Warner and Tim Kaine issued executive orders barring discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Governor Bob McDonnell has refused to do so.

“It is long overdue that all Virginia’s state employees including those that are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender are once again protected from discrimination,” Senator Ebbin said.

Virginia does not have a provision in its state code barring discrimination in state employment.

Senator Ebbin introduced has introduced this same bill during his term in the State House. Senator McEachin, who has introduced this legislation in the State Senate for the past two years, said, “All state employees should be judged by the quality of their work, not by other characteristics.  Every Virginian deserves equal opportunity and fairness in the workplace.”

In addition to perceived sexual orientation, the bill, SB 263, will also prohibit discrimination based based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, or status as a veteran.