VA Gov. Robert McDonnell (R) Strips Gay Rights Protections

VA Gov. Robert McDonnell (R) Strips Gay Job Protections for Gays & Lesbians

Gay and lesbian state workers in Virginia are no longer specifically protected against discrimination, thanks to a little-noticed change made by new Gov. Bob McDonnell.

McDonnell (R) on Feb. 5 signed an executive order that prohibits discrimination "on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, political affiliation, or against otherwise qualified persons with disabilities," as well as veterans.

It rescinds the order that Gov. Tim Kaine signed Jan. 14, 2006 as one of his first actions. After promising a "fair and inclusive" administration in his inaugural address, Kaine (D) added veterans to the non-discrimination policy - and sexual orientation.

This was a fulfillment of a promise McDonnell made in his campaign. This is what we can expect as the "tea-party" movement gets more of their wing-nuts elected across the country!

TPM Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell Rolls Back Non-Discrimination Protections for Gay Workers