The Virginian-Pilot
©
RICHMOND
On a near party- line vote, Virginia's state Senate passed a measure Monday that would protect gay and lesbian state workers from discrimination.
Suffolk Republican Frederick Quayle broke ranks with the GOP and joined the 22 Democrats in the chamber in supporting the bill. "I just thought it was the right thing to do," he said later.
If passed into law, the measure would define a state non discrimination employment policy that includes the category of "sexual orientation" along with race, religion, gender and disabilities, among other classifications.
Several past governors have signed executive orders establishing that as a state policy; former Govs. Timothy M. Kaine and Mark Warner included the sexual orientation clause in their orders.
Current Gov. Bob McDonnell clashed with Kaine four years ago over the inclusion of gay workers in the policy, saying such decisions were the domain of the legislature.
McDonnell has not issued his own non discrimination order but recently said he considers Kaine's policy still in effect other than the sexual orientation piece.
During a floor debate, Sen. Mark Obenshain, R-Harrisonburg, said the proposed policy would go beyond simply safeguarding against employment discrimination that is currently Virginia's de facto policy. It would open the door to litigation and grievances over "perceived slights," Obenshain added.
Speaking in support was Senate Majority Leader Richard Saslaw, who predicted that lawmakers who vote against the measure will later regret it. Saslaw, D-Fairfax County, likened evolving attitudes about gay rights to the gradual change in official policies on race.
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I guess --------
It's about time to have laws to protect bald people, skinny people, fat people, left handed people, and people who hate Santa Claus.
Straight White Male.
I am never judged on my skin color, sex or sexual orientation. I am never given extra points or credit on exams. There are no special loans, scolarships, organizations, TV stations, colleges, contracts both state and US government just for me. I have no protection from comments, opinions, not being promoted due to my sex or skin color. There is no Government agency I can run and cry to when I feel slighted. I live in a Country that feels everyone who is not a Straight White Male needs extra help and protection to do and accomplish what we do every day. So now I ask who are the racist sexist's now, those who say they are inferior thus need help or those who just want 100% equality across the board?
History Lesson
According to “americanamerican,” there was no racism prior to the Civil Rights Act and no woman was ever subject to sexual harassment so there was never any need for such a law.
Anti-discrimination laws do not provide “extra points or credit on exams.” They do not provide “special loans, scholarships, organizations, TV stations, colleges, or contracts.” They do not provide “extra help.” All they do is insure "100% equality across the board."
Spare me the tragic plight of the oppressed white man.
If it is any consolation, even "straight white males" are protected from age discrimination. But according to him, that would never happen.
Age is equal.............
for all just like the rules should be!
Innocent victim!
I was born in the sixties and had anything to do with the discrimination of anyone. I was chased and fought on many occasions for being white, poor and living in the wrong area of town (I was the true minority). I was rejected for the Va Beach Fire Department due to the color of my skin and was told so. As a 5 point Vet with fire fighting training a score of 86 on the written exam and a 99 on the physical I was a prime candidate but the 6 positions left after family members were all going to females and non white males. I was passed over for promotion in the government for less qualified less time non white males. My Son had to score higher on his college entry exam as he started 5 points behind due to skin color. Va beach, Chesapeake Police candidates that are not white yet went to the same schools as the whites cannot pass the test so they get a dumbed down test. DO NOT preach to me try preaching to the Taco Bell Dog, sorry he was pulled of the air along with Speedy Gonzalez so I guess good old dumb stereotypical white male characters will have to do!
Don't you just hate it
when someone whines and "crys when they feel slighted?"
Anti-discrimination laws prohibit discrimination. They do not provide special treatment or preferences for anyone. The same laws that protect against discrimination on the basis of race or sex also protect you from reverse discrimination on the basis of race or sex.
Man, if this is
Man, if this is right...sue...because that is discrimination. Somehow I think you're either lying or just exaggerating a bit.
1980's
I was told off the record by a white fireman so as not to waste any more of my time and leave and I gave my word.
I went to the EEO on another case around 1988 and was told there was nothing they could do for a white male.
Equal rights not special rights
Every person is judged on the basis of his or her appearance and behavior. That is just how humans work. There are too many studies to cite which confirm this.
Gays and lesbians are not asking for special rights. They are only asking for the same rights everyone else has and which are supposed to be guaranteed to all U.S. citizens.
Gays and lesbians are not asking for extra or special help or protection.
I commend the state senate
I commend the state senate for trying to protect the citizens of the Commonwealth from our new Governor.