HB 773 could legalize service denial to LGBT individuals
A bill preventing the government from penalizing people or organizations that deny services to gay and transgender individuals and those who have extramarital sex.
The Virginia House of Delegates passed HB 773, which has been named the Government Non-discrimination Act on, will now move to the Senate after passing the House in a 56-41 vote on Feb. 16.
No democrats voted in favor of the measure, six republicans voted against the bill and three did not participate in the vote. Supporters are calling the bill a reasonable accommodation of faith, while critics say the bill essentially legalizes discrimination and opens the door for a broad range of consequences.
“This legislation gives state approval to discriminate against others. It sends a terrible message not only to people currently living in Virginia, but also sets an unwelcoming and hostile tone to people and businesses who might be considering relocating to the Commonwealth,” said Del. Sam Rasoul, D-Roanoke.
Rasoul said the law would mean businesses and organizations could be denied licenses and grant funding simply because of the proprietor’s lifestyle.
The bill’s patron, Del. Todd Gilbert, R-Woodstock, said the bill is critical to protecting the religious freedom of Virginia residents, which he feels is under attack. The bill would prevent State agencies from denying grants, contracts, loans, scholarships and tax breaks to an individual or company as punishment for discriminating against gays, lesbians and those who have premarital sex.
“Traditional religious beliefs regarding marriage and gender are under attack in the current cultural climate,” Gilbert said. “We wanted to ensure that the fundamental American principle of protecting religious liberty is upheld and respected, no matter the prevailing mood of society.”
Gov. Terry McAuliffe vowed to veto the bill if it passed the senate and reached his desk for approval.
“The Governor will veto this divisive and distracting bill and then get back to work building a new Virginia economy that is open and welcoming to anyone who wants to live, work or start a business here,” said the governor’s Communication Director Brian McCoy to the Washington Post.
Del. Mark Sickles, D-Fairfax, who is openly gay, teared up as he gave a speech on the house floor before the bill was passed.
“Apparently, some people in our Commonwealth feel threatened by the full equality of others. Sickles said, “Today, I tried to point out that Virginia’s business community does not share these views and it will be difficult to market our natural advantages if such a law wherever enacted. Thank goodness that Governor McAuliffe would never allow this to become law.”
Print News Editor, Fadel Allassan
Fadel is a sophomore print journalism major. He is fluent in English, French and Sarcasm, and he probably doesn’t like you. Fadel enjoys writing about politics and making people drive him to Cook-Out. // Facebook | LinkedIn
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