Bill Text: VA HB696 | 2020 | Regular Session | Chaptered
Bill Title: Local human rights ordinances; sexual orientation and gender identity.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 8-0)
Status: (Passed) 2020-03-04 - Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0131) [HB696 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2020-HB696-Chaptered.html
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That §15.2-965 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:
§15.2-965. Human rights ordinances and commissions.
A. Any locality may enact an ordinance, not inconsistent with
nor more stringent than any applicable state law, prohibiting discrimination in
housing, employment, public accommodations, credit, and education on the basis
of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical
conditions, national origin, age, marital status, or disability,
sexual orientation, or gender identity.
B. The locality may enact an ordinance establishing a local commission on human rights which shall have the powers and duties granted by the Virginia Human Rights Act (§2.2-3900 et seq.).
C. As used in this section:
"Gender identity" means the gender-related identity, appearance, or other gender-related characteristics of an individual, without regard to the individual's designated sex at birth.
"Sexual orientation" means a person's actual or perceived heterosexuality, bisexuality, or homosexuality.
