Jennifer Carroll Foy Releases Plan to Protect LGBTQIA+ Rights
Carroll Foy’s plan cements marriage equality in Virginia’s Constitution, combats discrimination against LGBTQIA+ communities
(Woodbridge, VA) – Today, Del. Jennifer Carroll Foy released a comprehensive plan to protect and expand civil rights protections for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Del. Carroll Foy has and will continue to fight for equality for all in our Commonwealth and its communities. As a Delegate, Carroll Foy backed legislation to protect LGBTQIA+ communities against discrimination in the workplace, housing, credit card applications, public spaces, and health care.
As Governor, Carroll Foy will ensure marriage equality is the law of the land, amending the Virginia’s Constitution to ensure recent federal gains won’t be turned back in our Commonwealth. She will also eliminate the LGBTQIA+ “panic defense,” which allows leniency for violence because of one’s identity.
Other highlights of her plan include the following:
- Institute a statewide 100-day challenge to end LGBTQIA+ homelessness, as modeled by successes in California.
- Champion a bill that clarifies the Virginia Human Rights Act to define sexual and workplace harassment to include harassment based on an individual’s sexual orientation and gender identity.
- Institute a program to increase workforce participation by LGBTQIA+ individuals, and work with the Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity to recognize LGBTQIA-owned businesses and ensure increased access to state-funded contracts.
Just days ago, many Republican legislators in the General Assembly, including two Republican candidates for governor, voted to block the repeal of Virginia’s defunct ban on same-sex marriage. Carroll Foy has always been committed to ensuring all Virginians have an equal opportunity to thrive – no matter whom they love – and will continue to fight for equality in our Commonwealth as governor. Read more of her plan here.
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Jennifer Carroll Foy has dedicated her life to service. As one of the first women to graduate from Virginia Military Institute, a former foster mom, a magistrate judge, and public defender, Jennifer has embodied the ideals of community, honor and commitment in every facet of her life. During her time in the legislature, Jennifer led the way on the Equal Rights Amendment, proudly supported the successful fight to expand Medicaid to over 500,000 Virginians, and passed a budget that includes a 3% salary increase for teachers. She is a proud mother to twin three year olds, and wife to her husband Jeff, who she met her first week at VMI.