Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe on
Saturday made history with an executive order that protects lesbian,
gay, bisexual and transgender state employees from discrimination.
McAuliffe, a Democrat, signed the order
within hours of being sworn in as Virginia's 72nd
governor.
“An open and welcoming state is
critical to the 21st century economy, but it's also
imperative for justice and fairness,” McAuliffe said in a speech
delivered after being sworn in as governor at a ceremony attended by
Bill and Hillary Clinton. “My administration will work tirelessly
to ensure opportunities are equal for all of Virginia's children no
matter if you are a girl or a boy, no matter what part of the
commonwealth you live in, no matter your race or your religion and no
matter who you love.”
The executive order signed by McAuliffe
includes for the first time in Virginia history protections based on
gender identity and expression. It replaces a 2010 order issued by
then-Governor Bob McDonnell, a Republican. McDonnell's order
reversed his Democratic predecessor's order that included protections
based on sexual orientation.
A legal challenge to Virginia's 2006
voter-approved gay marriage ban is scheduled to have its first
hearing later this month. McAuliffe has not said whether his
administration will defend the ban in court.
(Related: Judge
schedules first hearing in AFER suit challenging Virginia's gay
marriage ban.)