A bill that would prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in state hiring was defeated today in a session of the state Senate, The Virginian-Pilot reported. Senator Adam Ebbin’s (D – 30) bill was defeated 8-7 in the General Laws and Technology Committee, with votes along party lines in the Republican-held legislative chamber. The bill had the support of labor unions, teacher and public employee associations and the AARP. Opponents allege that the bill is unnecessary because they claim that gays and lesbians do not face discrimination now.
