State of Virginia Archives: on Civil Rights
Bob Marshall:
Blocked gay judge's nomination
Allen distanced himself from the rest of the field on whether a homosexual could serve as a judge. All four denounced activist judges, but only Allen said a person's sexual orientation should not be a factor in determining qualification for the
bench. "Judges when I look at them, I look at what are their qualifications," Allen said. "Sexual orientation is not a criteria for disqualifying."But he declined to say whether he supported the successful effort by state
Del. Bob Marshall, another Senate candidate, to block a gay Richmond prosecutor from a district judgeship earlier this month. "It's funny, I didn't hear an answer from our colleague,"
Marshall said. "I've already done it. You've seen it in the papers. It's quite easy to stand here and say you will do and not do things."
Source: Washington Examiner on 2012 Virginia Senate debate
May 25, 2012
Daniel Gade:
Racism is an internal belief, not a domestic threat
Q: Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?A:
Racism is an internal belief; it does not become a threat to domestic security unless acted upon.
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2020 Virginia Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
Don Beyer:
Support the Paycheck Fairness Act: equal pay for women
On average, full-time working women earn just 77 cents for every dollar a man earns. It's unfair to women and illegal. And it's unfair to families, who in many cases depend on a woman's salary to make ends meet.
That's why I strongly support the Paycheck Fairness Act, a bill that updates and strengthens the Equal Pay Act of 1963, which made it illegal for employers to pay unequal wages to men and women who perform equal work.
Source: 2014 Virginia House campaign website, FriendsOfDonBeyer.com
Oct 10, 2014
Don Beyer:
Full GLBT equality; repeal DOMA; support ENDA
I support full equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. As a member of Congress, I would support legislation that bans job discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. I believe the institution of marriage
should be available to committed, same-sex couples, and I would work to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. I believe equality is not complete until it reaches every aspect of our society, including adoption and immigration sponsorship.
Source: 2014 Virginia House campaign website, FriendsOfDonBeyer.com
Oct 10, 2014
Ed Gillespie:
Marriage is the legal union of one man and one woman
As RNC chairman, Gillespie was a full-throated supporter of a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage. He criticized Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) for not voting for the unconstitutional Defense of Marriage Act and told African American pastors that
the Republican Party believes marriage "is the legal union of one man and one woman," so the nation "must pursue whatever policy is necessary to protect this institution, including a Federal Marriage Amendment to the United States Constitution."
He endorsed using marriage as a campaign issue in 2012 and observed in 2013, "I don't think you would ever see the Republican Party platform say we're in favor of same sex marriage."Still, Gillespie has said that it is unfair to call the GOP
anti-LGBT because while most Republicans support marriage inequality, many "are also for the benefits of marriage in the legal system that are afforded protections like, for example, hospital visitation rights or survivorship benefits."
Source: ThinkProgress.org on 2014 Virginia Senate race
Jan 16, 2014
Ed Gillespie:
Increase share of African-American vote in midterm elections
Gillespie, speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference, said: "We have to acknowledge the historic nature of [the election of] President Obama," especially for the African-American community, he said. But, Gillespie noted, going forward,
Obama's "not going to be at the top of the ticket. That gives us the opportunity to make some headway."He reminded the audience that for a time in the early 2000s, the GOP "increased its share of the black vote" slightly, though "it's kind of pathetic
to be bragging" about going from 9% to 11% support. In the past two elections, however, the GOP has floundered with minority voters. "I think we can increase our share of the African-American vote in the midterm elections.
I believe we definitely can, and certainly in the next presidential election," the Senate candidate said. "And we've got to."
Source: Politico.com coverage of CPAC and 2014 Virginia Senate race
Mar 6, 2014
Ed Gillespie:
Maintain state same-sex marriage ban, but leave it to states
Gillespie reiterated his personal opposition to same-sex marriage, but he said it is a state issue: "I respect and love people for who they are," the Republican said. "I believe marriage is between one man and one woman. But I also believe that
as a senator, it's not my role to legislate on that." Pressed, he said he would vote no if a statewide referendum came up to repeal the state's ban on same-sex marriage.Warner switched his position to endorse gay marriage in March 2013.
Source: Politico.com weblog on 2014 Virginia Senate debate
Jul 26, 2014
George Allen:
Gay judges ok; activist judges not ok
On the Virginia General Assembly's late-night vote to reject judicial nominee Tracy Thorne-Begland, a Richmond prosecutor who raises twin children with his same-sex partner, Allen offered subtle differences.Radtke said
Thorne-Begland would have brought an activist gay agenda to the bench. "The biggest problem we have in the country right now is activist judges," she said, noting that a federal judge had overturned a statewide
California referendum that outlawed gay marriage.
Allen said he, too, was averse to judicial activism, but was the only candidate to say sexual orientation should play no role in appointing
judges. "Sexual orientation is not a criteria for qualifying a judge or for disqualifying judges," Allen said. "I just don't want activist judges."
Source: 4-NBC Washington on 2012 Virginia Senate debate
May 26, 2012
Justin Fairfax:
Wrong to honor Robert E Lee in VA state senate
On eve of MLK day: History repeats itself. I will be stepping off the dais today in protest of the Virginia Senate honoring Robert E. Lee," Fairfax tweeted. "I'll be thinking of this June 5,
1798 manumission document that freed my great-great-great grandfather Simon Fairfax from slavery in Virginia. #WeRiseTogether.
Source: The Hill e-zine on 2021 Virginia gubernatorial race
Jan 19, 2019
Ken Cuccinelli:
Traditional marriage ought to be protected
Asked about gay marriage, McAuliffe said he supported equality and would sign a bill giving gays the right to marry in Virginia if it ever got to his desk. Then he pivoted on Cuccinelli, saying the attorney general had "continually attacked gay
Virginians," referencing the attorney general's remarks on gay lifestyle, and his letter to colleges and universities instructing them to remove sexual orientation from their anti-discrimination language. "There are consequences to mean-spirited,
hateful comments," McAuliffe said, after suggesting that Cuccinelli's position on gay issues and abortion nearly jeopardized Northrop Grumman from locating its corporate headquarters in the state.Cuccinelli said his views on homosexuality or gay
marriage had not changed, but he was ready for the attack. "The notion that because I believe marriage ought to be protected, because I believe life begins at conception ... there are lots of Virginians who share my sincerely held beliefs."
Source: Richmond Times-Dispatch on 2013 Virginia governor debates
Jul 21, 2013
Ken Cuccinelli:
Homosexuality is against nature and harmful to society
On gay marriage, McAuliffe said he would sign a bill overturning Virginia's ban on such unions if it reached his desk. Cuccinelli was asked whether he stood by comments he made several years ago, that homosexuality was "against nature and harmful to
society."Cuccinelli said that his beliefs about "the personal challenge of homosexuality" had not changed but that as governor, he would strive to make Virginia a place where everyone has equal opportunity.
Source: Washington Post on 2013 Virginia governor debates
Jul 21, 2013
Ken Cuccinelli:
Government shouldn't redefine marriage
Question topic: Marriage is a union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Cuccinelli: Strongly Agree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2013 Virginia Governor campaign
Jul 2, 2014
Mark Warner:
Switched to supporting same-sex marriage in 2013
Gillespie reiterated his personal opposition to same-sex marriage, but he said it is a state issue: "I respect and love people for who they are," the Republican said. "I believe marriage is between one man and one woman. But I also believe that
as a senator, it's not my role to legislate on that." Pressed, he said he would vote no if a statewide referendum came up to repeal the state's ban on same-sex marriage.Warner switched his position to endorse gay marriage in March 2013.
Source: Politico.com weblog on 2014 Virginia Senate debate
Jul 26, 2014
Ralph Northam:
Ratify the Equal Rights Amendment
If we are going to work together to ensure that every Virginian has equal opportunity for a successful life, that means enshrining equal rights for women and legal protections against discrimination in our laws.
This is not a partisan issue, and legislators from both parties have long championed this idea. Virginia can be the 38th and final state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment this year--it's time we do so.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Virginia legislature
Jan 9, 2019
Robert Sarvis:
Supports gay marriage
Q: Do you support same-sex marriage?
A: Yes.
Source: Virginia State Legislative 2011 PVS Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2011
Robert Sarvis:
Opposes affirmative action
Q: Do you support affirmative action?
A: No.
Source: Virginia State Legislative 2011 PVS Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2011
Robert Sarvis:
Libertarian platform: allow same-sex couples to marry
Sarvis said he will run on a similar platform as last year, including small government, a reduction of spending, legalization of marijuana and allowing same-sex
couples to marry. "Libertarians also want less intervention in foreign policy, so that will be something new for me to focus on," he said.
Source: Richmond Times-Dispatch on 2014 Virginia Senate race
Jan 30, 2014
Robert Sarvis:
Government has authority to redefine marriage
Question topic: Marriage is a union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Sarvis: Disagree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2013 Virginia Governor campaign
Jul 2, 2014
Terry McAuliffe:
Supports marriage equality for gays
Asked about gay marriage, McAuliffe said he supported equality and would sign a bill giving gays the right to marry in Virginia if it ever got to his desk. Then he pivoted on Cuccinelli, saying the attorney general had "continually attacked gay
Virginians," referencing the attorney general's remarks on gay lifestyle, and his letter to colleges and universities instructing them to remove sexual orientation from their anti-discrimination language. "There are consequences to mean-spirited,
hateful comments," McAuliffe said, after suggesting that Cuccinelli's position on gay issues and abortion nearly jeopardized Northrop Grumman from locating its corporate headquarters in the state.Cuccinelli said his views on homosexuality or gay
marriage had not changed, but he was ready for the attack. "The notion that because I believe marriage ought to be protected, because I believe life begins at conception ... there are lots of Virginians who share my sincerely held beliefs."
Source: Richmond Times-Dispatch on 2013 Virginia governor debates
Jul 21, 2013
Tim Kaine:
GOP agenda on gay marriage is divisive social legislation
All four GOP candidates voiced support for the Defense of Marriage Act, which preserves states' rights not to recognize same-sex marriages. Marshall, the General Assembly's most outspoken social conservative, said he would
consider impeaching any judge who refused to uphold the law.A Kaine spokeswoman said, "Their support for divisive social legislation will only cause more polarization and gridlock in our politics."
Source: The Virginian-Pilot on 2012 Virginia Senate debate
Apr 29, 2012
Tim Kaine:
No discrimination against nominating gay judges
The General Assembly blocked a gay judicial nominee's appointment to the bench in Richmond: veteran prosecutor Tracy Thorne-Begland, who came out as gay as a naval officer 20 years ago. [Opponents say he] was unfit for the bench because he had challenged
the military's ban on gays openly serving in the military, advocated for gay marriage & lives with a partner with whom he is raising twins.George Allen said he objected to anti-gay discrimination in principle but refused to take a position on whether
it had played a role in Thorne-Begland's rejection: [selections should be] "based on fidelity to the Constitution and laws--judges should apply the law, not invent it or impose their own political views."
A spokesman for Tim Kaine has equated Thorne-
Begland's rejection to discrimination: "Gov. Kaine believes that the only standard for selecting judges should be their qualifications. This type of discrimination has no place in government, and serves to pit Virginians against one another."
Source: Washington Post on 2012 Virginia Senate debate
May 21, 2012
Donald McEachin:
Champion anti-discrimination for women & minorities
Donald strongly believes that all people deserve equal rights, equal treatment, and equal opportunities to participate in our democracy. Americans should never suffer because of whom they love, what they believe, or where they came from.
Donald will continue to champion anti-discrimination protections for women, racial minorities, LGBT Americans, and any other group that is singled out for unfair treatment
Source: 2016 Virginia House campaign website DonaldMcEachin.com
Nov 8, 2016
Ralph Northam:
Tie-breaking vote against gay workplace discrimination
Dr. Northam promises to approach public service with the same passion and focus on results that he served with in the military and as a doctor. He believes that you reach across the aisle to get things done without ever compromising your core beliefs and
always by fighting for what's right."I am proud to support progress for all Virginians. During the past two legislative sessions, I cast tie-breaking votes to ban employment discrimination based on sexual orientation in state government."
Source: 2016-17 Virginia gubernatorial campaign website
Nov 1, 2015
Corey Stewart:
Stop brainwashing school children with the Homosexual Agenda
Q: Support gay marriage?Tim Kaine (D): Yes. In 2006 opposed VA amendment banning same sex marriage. "We're still fighting for full LGBT equality."
Corey Stewart (R): No. Strongly opposes; seeks to overturn
Supreme Court legalization.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Virginia Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Tim Kaine:
We're still fighting for full LGBT equality
Q: Support gay marriage?Tim Kaine (D): Yes. In 2006 opposed VA amendment banning same sex marriage. "We're still fighting for full LGBT equality."
Corey Stewart (R): No. Strongly opposes; seeks to overturn Supreme Court legalization.
Signed survey to oppose "brainwashing elementary school children with the Homosexual Agenda."
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Virginia Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Ralph Northam:
Look harder for diverse candidates for leadership roles
This cabinet is led by women. And like this new General Assembly, it is also one of the most diverse in our history. This management team can be an example to our friends in the corporate world.
When people say, "we can't find enough women, or enough diverse candidates for leadership roles," I say--you're not looking hard enough.
Source: 2018 State of the State speech to Virginia legislature
Jan 16, 2018
Daniel Gade:
Right to live in accordance with our religious principles
Our civil rights include the right to live in accordance with our religious principles, the right to unrestricted free speech and exchange of ideas,
and the right to protect ourselves by keeping and bearing arms. This is the only way to ensure equal protection and justice for all, regardless of race, class, or creed.
Source: 2020 Virginia Senate campaign website GadeForVirginia.com
Dec 25, 2019
Ralph Northam:
Remove discriminatory language from Virginia laws
We convened a Commission to examine overtly discriminatory language that's still on our books. These include laws banning school integration, prohibiting black and white Virginians from living in the same neighborhoods, and prohibiting
people from getting married unless they're the same race. These words remain enshrined in law, even as many of the Acts have been overturned. It's time to remove these words from Virginia's books.
Source: 2020 Virginia State of the State address
Jan 8, 2020
Jennifer Carroll Foy:
Increase state buying from women/minority owned businesses
Support small, women-owned and minority-owned (SWaM) businesses. It is critical we apply an equity lens as well to ensure that small businesses that have historically found the deck stacked against them--such as those owned by people of color or
women--have an equal shot. Through an executive order, my administration will increase the Commonwealth's discretionary spending for buying goods and services from SWaM businesses to a historic high of 45%.
Source: 2021 Virginia governor campaign site JenniferCarrollFoy.com
Feb 21, 2021
Jennifer McClellan:
Led fight to get Virginia to ratify Equal Rights Amendment
Jennifer McClellan believes that all Virginians should be treated with respect and dignity. No one should be discriminated against because of who they are, who they love, or what they believe. As a legislator, Jenn has been a leader in the
fight for civil rights for all. She led the fight in the Senate to make Virginia the 38th state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment and the 28th state to extend protections against discrimination for pregnant workers and new mothers.
Source: 2021 Virginia governor campaign website JennMcClellanVA.com
Feb 18, 2021
Jennifer McClellan:
Led on Virginia Values Act, banning LGBTQ discrimination
She was a key leader on the Virginia Values Act, making Virginia the first state in the South to prohibit discrimination on the basis of
sexual orientation or gender identity, and also on legislation repealing Virginia's ban on same-sex marriage.
Source: 2021 Virginia governor campaign website JennMcClellanVA.com
Feb 18, 2021
Kirk Cox:
Enacted a zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment
On the Kirk Cox for Governor campaign, over 50 percent of Kirk's campaign staff are women, and as Speaker and
Majority Leader he had a long track record of recruiting women to run for office. Kirk Cox also made efforts to combat sexual harassment on Capitol Square by enacting a zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment.
Source: 2021 Virginia governor campaign website KirkCox.com
Feb 19, 2021
Terry McAuliffe:
Vetoed multiple bills shielding discriminating groups
As Governor, Terry made it clear he would veto every piece of legislation that discriminated against LGBT people or undermine the constitutional rights of any Virginian. He delivered, vetoing multiple so-called "religious freedom" bills that would
have shielded groups who actively discriminate against same-sex couples from civil liability, and vetoing a bill that would have protected local elected officials who violated the law by refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
As Virginia's 72nd Governor, Terry worked tirelessly to build an inclusive Commonwealth that is open and welcoming to all. On his first day in office, Terry signed Executive Order 1, which prohibited discrimination against any
LGBT state employee. He was also the first southern Governor in the nation to officiate a gay wedding.
Source: 2021 Virginia governor campaign website Terry McAuliffe.com
Dec 22, 2020
Terry McAuliffe:
Tackle inequities by lifting up every Black Virginian
Virginia's next Governor must be ready to tackle inequities head on with bold, progressive policies to lift up every Black Virginian. That means addressing the historic lack of access to capital and promoting Black home and business ownership, breaking
down barriers that prevent communities of color from generating wealth, addressing environmental injustices, supporting older members of Black communities and ending disparities in health care, education and our criminal justice system.
Source: 2021 Virginia governor campaign website Terry McAuliffe.com
Dec 22, 2020
Ben Cline:
Require absentee ballot applicants to provide photo ID
HB1318: Any voter submitting his application for an absentee ballot by mail or by electronic transmission shall submit with his application a copy of one of the forms of identification acceptable under current law. Analysis by Virginia ACLU:
Low-income Virginians, rural voters, racial and ethnic minorities, students, and the elderly may have been disenfranchised because they lack a valid, photo ID or have no access to a copier or scanner.
Veto message: This bill
imposes barriers on an eligible voter's ability to obtain & cast an absentee ballot. The requirement would not in any way deter fraudulent voting since it provides no means of verifying the identity of the individual depicted in the submitted photograph.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 62-34-4 on Feb/9/15; State Delegate Ben Cline voted YES; Passed Senate 20-17-3 on Feb/20/15; Vetoed by Gov. McAuliffe on Mar/27/15; House Veto Sustained 65-34-0 (needed 66) on Apr/15/15
Source: ACLU analysis of Virginia legislative voting records HB1318
Feb 9, 2015
Creigh Deeds:
Against requiring photo ID for absentee ballots
HB1318: Any voter submitting his application for an absentee ballot by mail or by electronic transmission shall submit with his application a copy of one of the forms of identification acceptable under current law. Analysis by Virginia ACLU:
Low-income Virginians, rural voters, racial and ethnic minorities, students, and the elderly may have been disenfranchised because they lack a valid, photo ID or have no access to a copier or scanner.
Veto message: This bill
imposes barriers on an eligible voter's ability to obtain & cast an absentee ballot. The requirement would not in any way deter fraudulent voting since it provides no means of verifying the identity of the individual depicted in the submitted photograph.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 62-34-4 on Feb/9/15; Passed Senate 20-17-3 on Feb/20/15; State Senator Creigh Deeds voted NO; Vetoed by Gov. McAuliffe on Mar/27/15; House Veto Sustained 65-34-0 (needed 66) on Apr/15/15
Source: ACLU analysis of Virginia legislative voting records HB1318
Feb 20, 2015
Donald McEachin:
Against requiring photo ID for absentee ballots
HB1318: Any voter submitting his application for an absentee ballot by mail or by electronic transmission shall submit with his application a copy of one of the forms of identification acceptable under current law. Analysis by Virginia ACLU:
Low-income Virginians, rural voters, racial and ethnic minorities, students, and the elderly may have been disenfranchised because they lack a valid, photo ID or have no access to a copier or scanner.
Veto message: This bill
imposes barriers on an eligible voter's ability to obtain & cast an absentee ballot. The requirement would not in any way deter fraudulent voting since it provides no means of verifying the identity of the individual depicted in the submitted photograph.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 62-34-4 on Feb/9/15; Passed Senate 20-17-3 on Feb/20/15; State Senator Donald McEachin voted NO; Vetoed by Gov. McAuliffe on Mar/27/15; House Veto Sustained 65-34-0 (needed 66) on Apr/15/15
Source: ACLU analysis of Virginia legislative voting records HB1318
Feb 20, 2015
Scott Taylor:
Require absentee ballot applicants to provide photo ID
HB1318: Any voter submitting his application for an absentee ballot by mail or by electronic transmission shall submit with his application a copy of one of the forms of identification acceptable under current law. Analysis by Virginia ACLU:
Low-income Virginians, rural voters, racial and ethnic minorities, students, and the elderly may have been disenfranchised because they lack a valid, photo ID or have no access to a copier or scanner.
Veto message: This bill
imposes barriers on an eligible voter's ability to obtain & cast an absentee ballot. The requirement would not in any way deter fraudulent voting since it provides no means of verifying the identity of the individual depicted in the submitted photograph.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 62-34-4 on Feb/9/15; State Delegate Scott Taylor voted YES; Passed Senate 20-17-3 on Feb/20/15; Vetoed by Gov. McAuliffe on Mar/27/15; House Veto Sustained 65-34-0 (needed 66) on Apr/15/15
Source: ACLU analysis of Virginia legislative voting records HB1318
Feb 9, 2015
Terry McAuliffe:
Veto requiring photo ID for absentee ballots
HB1318: Any voter submitting his application for an absentee ballot by mail or by electronic transmission shall submit with his application a copy of one of the forms of identification acceptable under current law. Analysis by Virginia ACLU:
Low-income Virginians, rural voters, racial and ethnic minorities, students, and the elderly may have been disenfranchised because they lack a valid, photo ID or have no access to a copier or scanner.
Veto message: This bill
imposes barriers on an eligible voter's ability to obtain & cast an absentee ballot. The requirement would not in any way deter fraudulent voting since it provides no means of verifying the identity of the individual depicted in the submitted photograph.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 62-34-4 on Feb/9/15; Passed Senate 20-17-3 on Feb/20/15; Vetoed by Gov. McAuliffe on Mar/27/15; House Veto Sustained 65-34-0 (needed 66) on Apr/15/15
Source: ACLU analysis of Virginia legislative voting records HB1318
Mar 27, 2015
Tom Garrett:
Require absentee ballot applicants to provide photo ID
HB1318: Any voter submitting his application for an absentee ballot by mail or by electronic transmission shall submit with his application a copy of one of the forms of identification acceptable under current law. Analysis by Virginia ACLU:
Low-income Virginians, rural voters, racial and ethnic minorities, students, and the elderly may have been disenfranchised because they lack a valid, photo ID or have no access to a copier or scanner.
Veto message: This bill
imposes barriers on an eligible voter's ability to obtain & cast an absentee ballot. The requirement would not in any way deter fraudulent voting since it provides no means of verifying the identity of the individual depicted in the submitted photograph.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 62-34-4 on Feb/9/15; Passed Senate 20-17-3 on Feb/20/15; State Senator Tom Garrett voted YES; Vetoed by Gov. McAuliffe on Mar/27/15; House Veto Sustained 65-34-0 (needed 66) on Apr/15/15
Source: ACLU analysis of Virginia legislative voting records HB1318
Feb 20, 2015
Jennifer McClellan:
Against requiring photo ID for absentee ballots
HB1318: Any voter submitting his application for an absentee ballot by mail or by electronic transmission shall submit with his application a copy of one of the forms of identification acceptable under current law.Analysis by Virginia ACLU:
Low-income Virginians, rural voters, racial and ethnic minorities, students, and the elderly may have been disenfranchised because they lack a valid, photo ID or have no access to a copier or scanner.
Veto message:
This bill imposes barriers on an eligible voter's ability to obtain & cast an absentee ballot. The requirement would not in any way deter fraudulent voting since it provides no means of verifying the identity of the individual depicted in the submitted
photograph.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 62-34-4 on Feb/9/15; Passed Senate 20-17-3 on Feb/20/15; Vetoed by Gov. McAuliffe on Mar/27/15; House Veto Sustained 65-34-0 (needed 66) on Apr/15/15; State Del. Jennifer McClellan voted NO.
Source: ACLU analysis of Virginia legislative voting records HB1318
Apr 15, 2015
Kirk Cox:
Voted against banning LGBTQ panic defense
Kirk Cox voted against legislation- Banning the LGBTQ panic defense, defined by the LGBT Bar as "a legal strategy which asks a jury to find that a victim's sexual orientation or gender identity is to blame for the defendant's violent reaction,
including murder."
- Repealing the now obsolete marriage equality ban from the Virginia Constitution.
- Barring discrimination in child welfare services
- Banning bias based profiling of LGBTQ people by law enforcement
Source: Blue Virginia blog on 2021 Virginia gubernatorial race
Feb 2, 2021
Daniel Gade:
Don't force churches to accommodate transgender people
Q: Support Equality Act protecting LGBTQ persons from discrimination based on sexual orientation?Daniel Gade: No. "The Equality Act forces churches to accommodate people who are transgender. Our religious freedom is under attack."
Mark Warner: Yes. Co-sponsored Equality Act. "Always wrong to fire a person simply for being gay or transgender."
Source: CampusElect survey of 2020 Virginia Senate race
Sep 30, 2020
Corey Stewart:
Protect Confederate monuments
Q [to Tim KAINE]: Corey Stewart, the man running against you, wants to protect Confederate monuments. That`s countering your description of how Virginia has moved forward after the Charlottesville Unite the Right rally.KAINE: Yes, it is. But look who
won last year. It wasn`t the people who want to secede or go backwards who are winning elections.
Q: When you mayor of Richmond, you dealt with some of these questions about how to represent the Confederacy. The rallying point last year for the
Unite the Right rally was the question of the removal of Robert E. Lee from Charlottesville.
KAINE: Charlottesville was not about statues. It was about hatred. It was about bigotry and division. This was not a save the statue rally. It was a Unite the
Right rally. Statues don`t make you march around chanting, "Jews will not replace us." They don`t make you say "blood and soil" or other slogans from Nazi youth rallies. To say Charlottesville was about statues diminishes the gravity of it.
Source: CBS Face the Nation on 2018 Virginia Senate race
Aug 12, 2018
Tim Kaine:
Redefine VA as rainbow coalition instead of Unite the Right
Q: You have said that Virginia has a lot of scar tissue when it comes to race.KAINE: Yes.
Q: But it feels, on many of these issues, that it`s very much an open wound. What has actually changed since Charlottesville's [racist attack]?
KAINE:
Charlottesville was shocking. At that Unite the Right rally, most of the people arrested for violence that day were out-of-staters who came in to bring their hatred and bigotry. What I see that has changed in Virginia is people saying, "we`re not going
to let our state be defined this way." It was seen most directly in the Virginia elections in November of 2017: Of the 15 people that got elected, 11 of the 15 were women, African-American, LGBT--It was a real rainbow coalition.
Q: Yet Corey Stewart,
the man running against you, wants to protect Confederate monuments. That`s countering what you`re describing.
KAINE: Yes, it is. But look who won last year. It wasn`t the people who want to secede or go backwards who are winning elections.
Source: CBS Face the Nation on 2018 Virginia Senate race
Aug 12, 2018
Amanda Chase:
Removal of Confederate icons is destroying white history
Virginia Sen. Amanda Chase declares, "This isn't about destroying Confederate history, it's about destroying WHITE HISTORY... the history of America.
These liberals and socialists seek to paint us as racists when it's them who are racist."
Source: Chattanooga Times Free Press on 2021 Virginia Governor race
Jun 26, 2020
Corey Stewart:
Strongly supports traditional marriage
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Comfortable with same-sex marriage"?
A: Stewart believes in traditional marriage between one man and one woman.
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Virginia Senate candidate
May 18, 2018
Corey Stewart:
2017: praised Virginia decision to secede during Civil War
Virginia U.S. Senate candidate Corey Stewart (R) praised in a speech last year Virginia's decision in 1861 to secede from the Union, putting it on par with rebellions during the American Revolution and today.Said Stewart: "This is the state of
George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison and James Monroe. It's a state of the founders. It's the state of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution."
He added: "But it's also the state of Robert E. Lee, and
Stonewall Jackson, and J.E.B. Stuart. Because, at the base of it, Virginians, we think for ourselves. And if the established order is wrong, we rebel. We did that in the Revolution, we did it in the Civil War, and we're doing it today.
We're doing it today because they're trying to rob us of everything that we hold dear: our history, our heritage, our culture."
Source: PoliticalWire.com on 2018 Virginia Senate race
Aug 8, 2018
Daniel Gade:
2011: Against women in combat; 2017: Allow in whatever role
Gade wrote on a military blog in 2011 that allowing women in combat positions would be "to the gigantic detriment of the warfighters and our national security." Standards at military schools "WILL be decreased," Gade wrote. Gade told Reveal that his
views have changed since then. "I now believe that anyone who can meet the physical and mental standards of the profession should be allowed into the profession in ground combat roles, and whatever role they qualify for."
Source: RevealNews.org on 2020 Virginia Senate race
Sep 18, 2017
Mark Herring:
Roll back efforts to take away voting rights
Goals If Elected: Mark believes that when we can, we should put aside our differences to move the Commonwealth forward. But in the face of extremism, it's important to stand firm for
Virginia's values. He has strongly opposed efforts to take away a woman's right to choose, roll back voting rights, and institutionalize discrimination in our laws.
Source: Vote-USA.org on 2013 Virginia Attorney General incumbent
May 19, 2013
Glenn Youngkin:
Personally against gay marriage but would support the law
Youngkin says he's personally against same-sex marriage. Late last month, Youngkin told the Associated Press in an interview that he feels "called to love everyone" but, when asked if
that expressed support for same-sex marriage, said, "No." He said it was "legally acceptable" in the state and he would support the law.
Source: The 19th on 2021 Virginia Gubernatorial race
Nov 1, 2021
Ed Gillespie:
OpEd: Lobbied for company that paid women 39% less than men
Did you, Virginia, know that Acme, a corporation that handed Ed Gillespie $3 million to lobby in Washington, has received over 50 warnings from the Environmental Protection Agency? Do you, Virginia, realize that
Acme, the infamous corporation that made Ed Gillespie a millionaire, paid women 39% less than men? Well, the jobs that Acme haven't already outsourced to China. Ed Gillespie: betting against America--and women.
Source: The Federalist on 2014 Virginia Senate race
Jan 16, 2014
Scott Taylor:
Opposes transgender ban in military
When it comes to transgender individuals serving in the military Taylor walks a careful line. "I don't support the ban on transgenders," he told The Hill in an interview, putting him at odds with his president and some GOP faithful, but aligned with the
majority of servicemen and women who fill his district. "If you are able to serve, serve. I don't care if you are gay, straight, transgender or not. If you are ready to go, cool," he said.
Source: The Hill e-zine on 2020 Virginia Senate race
Sep 26, 2019
Tom Perriello:
Embraces same-sex marriage
Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam, Democrat, met with pro-choice activists in Northern Virginia and started airing television ads boasting of opposition to gun-rights groups, seeking to strengthen his position among the state's liberal voters ahead of the
gubernatorial primary in June [against former Rep. Tom Perriello].It marks a big shift from past statewide races, when Democrats tried to claim the political center. On the campaign trail this go-round, Northam and Perriello are both embracing
same-sex marriage, backing pro-choice groups, supporting rights for illegal immigrants and bashing the National Rifle Association.
"Virginia has moved from being a southern state to being a mid-Atlantic state," said former GOP Rep. Tom
Davis, Republican. "The politics have gotten much less southern in their nature. Democrats that were nervous about guns, certainly nervous about gay rights, the environment, and abortion--that is no longer the case."
Source: The Washington Times on 2017 Virginia gubernatorial race
Jan 13, 2017
Amanda Chase:
Called homosexuality "sexual dysphoria"
Chase brought Sean Maguire of The Family Foundation onto her show to discuss "what we call sexual dysphoria." That's a coded way of saying gay people aren't actually gay, they're just confused. It's language that hasn't "been used to describe
LGBTQ people for decades," Lucas Acosta of the Human Rights Campaign said in an interview, adding that terms like sexual dysphoria just "goes to show me that you don't think of me as human."
Source: VaDogwood.com on 2021 Virginia Gubernatorial race
Oct 21, 2019
Amanda Chase:
Transgender people are confused about which bathroom to use
[On transgender bathrooms]: "And they're confused," Chase said of transgender people. "They don't know which bathroom to use.
They don't know what gender they are. When God said, in the beginning, he created male and female, that's two."
Source: VaDogwood.com on 2021 Virginia Gubernatorial race
Oct 21, 2019
Amanda Chase:
Concerned the ERA treats women identically to men
[On the Equal Rights Amendment]: "It's concerning to me that the ERA treats women identically to men, not equally to men,"
Chase said, "lending to it the current fad of gender fluidity."
Source: VaDogwood.com on 2021 Virginia Gubernatorial race
Oct 21, 2019
Amanda Chase:
I believe in equal treatment and not special treatment
There are members of the Democratic party who have advanced legislation that elevates one particular group above another, saying that we treat them differently than another group. I don't care what color skin you are, that is wrong. No matter
what the color of skin is. We are Virginians. We should treat everyone equally and the legislation that has been put forward by members of the Black Caucus elevate one group over another. And I believe in equal treatment and not special treatment.
Source: Virginia Mercury on 2021 Virginia Governor race
Dec 11, 2020
Jennifer McClellan:
Racial justice is about more than criminal justice reform
McClellan said the state needs to do more on comprehensive criminal justice reform, particularly scaling back the approach to low-level offenses like passing counterfeit bills, the offense she said led to a "death sentence" for Floyd. "Racial justice
is about more than criminal justice reform. It is embedded in every system we have in government," McClellan said. "And I did not need George Floyd's murder or the Unite the Right rally to teach me that."
Source: Virginia Mercury on 2021 Virginia Gubernatorial debate
Apr 6, 2021
Mark Herring:
Governor should resign after wearing blackface, but not me
Mark Herring said he demanded Gov. Ralph's Northam's resignation last month not because the governor had worn blackface decades earlier, but because Northam flip-flopped on the subject in a way that undermined his ability to lead.Since acknowledging
that he, too, had dressed in blackface as a young man, Herring took pains to differentiate his situation from Northam's. "The governor had said he was in the [blackface] photo." Herring said. "The next day, the governor came out with a different and
contradictory account, and that was when there was an erosion of trust. That was what my [resignation] statement was about. It was really about the public trust. I would hold myself to the same standard."
After Northam's revelations, Herring said
he "agonized" about whether to disclose that he dressed in blackface for a party as a 19-year-old student at U.Va. He said ultimately decided to do so on his own, dismissing the idea that his hand was forced by questions from the media.
Source: Virginian-Pilot on 2021 Virginia Gubernatorial race
Mar 5, 2019
Ralph Northam:
Outed for blackface photo in 1984 medical school yearbook
Northam has been under fire since Feb. 1, when a photo came to light from his 1984 medical school yearbook page that depicted one person in blackface and another in Ku Klux Klan robes. Northam initially took responsibility for the picture; at a news
conference a day later, he said he wasn't in the photo but admitted that he put shoe polish on his cheeks to imitate Michael Jackson in a dance contest later that same year.Many state and national Democrats immediately called on Northam to resign.
Days later, Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax was swept up in a scandal of his own, as two women accused him of sexually assault dating from 2000 and 2004 -- charges that Fairfax has vigorously denied. The accusations against Fairfax are "different but a
very difficult situation," Attorney General Mark Herring said. The women who say they were sexually assaulted by the lieutenant governor "deserve to be heard, they deserve respect," he said.
Source: Virginian-Pilot on 2021 Virginia Gubernatorial race
Mar 5, 2019
Mark Herring:
Roll back institutionalizing discrimination in our laws
Goals If Elected: Mark believes that when we can, we should put aside our differences to move the Commonwealth forward. But in the face of extremism, it's important to stand firm for
Virginia's values. He has strongly opposed efforts to take away a woman's right to choose, roll back voting rights, and institutionalize discrimination in our laws.
Source: Vote-USA.org on 2013 Virginia Attorney General incumbent
May 19, 2013
Ralph Northam:
Backs marriage rights for same-sex couples
Northam publicly backs marriage rights for same-sex couples. The lieutenant governor in February cast the tie-breaking vote in the state Senate that allowed the passage of a bill that sought to ban discrimination against government employees because of
their sexual orientation or gender identity. The measure later died in a Virginia House of Delegates subcommittee. "Employment discrimination in any form is truly unacceptable," said Northam after voting in support of the anti-discrimination bill.
Source: Washington Blade on 2017 Virginia governor's race
Nov 17, 2015
Corey Stewart:
Transgenderism is despicable
Corey Stewart said he would sign a bill that is equivalent to North Carolina's House Bill 2. "As governor, I will absolutely prohibit any locality from doing any such thing and promoting transgenderism in any way,
shape or form," he said at a forum the Amherst County Republican Party sponsored. "It's absolutely horrendously despicable."
Source: Washington Blade on 2018 Virginia Senatorial race
Apr 5, 2017
Corey Stewart:
Unfair to condemn only white nationalists
Stewart said white nationalists had been unfairly singled out for their role in the weekend chaos in Charlottesville that left three dead and dozens injured.He blamed "half the violence" on counterprotesters and criticized fellow
Republicans who condemned the white nationalists. Stewart has made several joint appearances with -Jason Kessler, organizer of the "Unite the Right" rally that sparked the unrest in Charlottesville.
Source: Washington Post on 2018 Virginia Senate race
Aug 13, 2017
Pete Snyder:
Left is pushing transgender bathrooms in our schools
We're in a global pandemic and the ridiculous policies that the left is pushing at us to try to have transgender bathrooms in our schools. I missed my daughter's lacrosse practice today. First time ever.
There is no way I'm going to come home to her three years from now and have to see her crying because she got cut from the team or isn't even starting because someone two weeks ago used to be a dude. I'm sorry. Not going to happen on my watch.
Source: The Washington Blade on 2021 Virginia Governor race
Mar 9, 2021
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026