Right now, LGBT Virginians can be fired, evicted or denied service in a public place like a restaurant, just because of who they are or who they love. Because under Virginia law, LGBT people are not explicitly protected from discrimination.

The Virginia Values coalition is working to change that, by pushing lawmakers to pass legislation in 2020 that protects LGBT Virginians from discrimination in housing, employment and public places.

Across the Commonwealth, grassroots groups, faith leaders, businesses large and small, and thousands of individual Virginians have pressed lawmakers to make LGBT nondiscrimination a priority, because it’s the right thing to do and because it will keep our Commonwealth economically competitive.

If you believe it’s time for LGBT Virginians to be treated fairly under state law, join the Virginia Values coalition.

Learn More: Our Faith Work

What Is This & Why Does It Matter?

Virginia Values is a broad coalition of Virginians from all walks of life who believe in protecting our LGBT neighbors from discrimination. We are faith leaders, parents, law enforcement officers, veterans, and people of all political ideologies committed to making Virginia a safe place for all people to live, work, and play.

Everyone should feel welcome in our Commonwealth, no matter who they are or who they love. But in this day and age, it’s shocking to learn that Virginians are fired from their jobs, evicted from their homes, and turned away from places like restaurants, shops and even doctor’s offices because they’re LGBT.

That’s because Virginia is one of 30 states where state law doesn’t explicitly protect all LGBT people from discrimination. These state protections matter, because under federal law anti-LGBT discrimination isn’t expressly prohibited, like discrimination is prohibited based on someone’s race, sex or religion.

We’ve always valued fairness and opportunity here in Virginia. This campaign isn’t about creating new or special protections for anyone—it’s simply about updating our state’s laws so that our gay and transgender friends and loved ones are protected under the law.

LGBT people are our friends, neighbors, family, and coworkers. When it comes to being able to earn a living, having a place to live, or being served by a business or government office, they should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against.

Our Commonwealth is at its strongest when we’re all free to work hard, earn a decent living, and go about our lives without fear of discrimination. We’re proud to work together towards creating a safer and more equal Virginia for all people to live, work, and play.