Bill > SB12

This bill expands protections against employment discrimination for public employees in Virginia by explicitly prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, in addition to existing protections for race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, or veteran status. This applies to state agencies, local governments, and school boards, defining "gender identity" as an individual's gender-related identity or characteristics, regardless of their sex at birth, and "sexual orientation" as a person's actual or perceived heterosexuality, bisexuality, or homosexuality. The bill also clarifies that these prohibitions do not require lowering job requirements or performance standards.