Legislation to make “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” protected classes in various areas of state law including housing, employment, public accommodations and public contracts has passed out of committees in both the House and the Senate by significant margins. These bills will be debated on the floors of both chambers as early as tomorrow. The Virginia Catholic Conference opposes these bills. Though this legislation is very likely to pass in some form, it is absolutely essential that – at a minimum – it includes protections to protect the fundamental right of religious organizations to practice their beliefs regarding marriage, family life and human sexuality. Floor amendments are expected to be considered that would add critical religious liberty protections to these bills. Please take action now to insist on fundamental and absolutely essential religious liberty protections!Reach out to your legislator and let them hear your voice!
