Equality Virginia responds to hateful anti-LGBT bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 6, 2015 Contact: Kirsten Bokenkamp, [email protected]; 804.643.4816   In response to HB1414, a bill filed by Delegate Robert Marshall that would allow blatant discrimination against LGBT Virginians, the following statement can be attributed to James Parrish, executive director of Equality Virginia: “This piece of legislation is extremist, hateful, and discriminatory.  Businesses and service agencies that are open to the public should be open to everybody on the same terms, including to LGBT customers and clients. While we are all entitled to our own religious beliefs, we cannot use those beliefs to discriminate against others.  Discrimination is wrong - it’s that simple.  Equality Virginia will work tirelessly during the upcoming General Assembly session in opposition to this bill and any others that would allow for discrimination against Virginia’s LGBT community.  Discrimination under the guise of religious freedom is still discrimination and Virginia is better than that.”       James Parrish, executive director, Equality Virginia