Gov. Warner Protects Gays in Va. Hiring

Warner Protects Gays in Va. Hiring
State Workers Given Right to Challenge

By Michael D. Shear and Chris L. Jenkins
Washington Post Staff Writers
Saturday, December 17, 2005; Page A01

RICHMOND, Dec. 16 -- Gov. Mark R. Warner (D) on Friday quietly amended an executive order that for the first time explicitly bans Virginia state agencies from discriminating against gays in hiring and promotions.

The policy went into effect immediately, and a spokeswoman for Gov.-elect Timothy M. Kaine (D) said the incoming governor plans to continue the policy by signing the same executive order when he is inaugurated Jan. 14.

~snip~

But as soon as the change became public, some lawmakers and activists pledged that they would work to rescind it. The General Assembly next year could pass legislation blocking the order. But if Kaine refused to sign it, it would take two-thirds of the lawmakers in both chambers to override his veto, setting up a lively debate in the upcoming legislative session.

Warner also added "sexual orientation" to nondiscrimination language in the $72 billion budget that he delivered to lawmakers Friday. Passage of the budget with that language would codify the change in state law, making it more permanent, Qualls said.

~snip~


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/16/AR2005121601908.html


(sorry if this is a dupe)