Equality Fairfax

The 2005 General Assembly session targeted the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community as never before.

Statement from Paula Prettyman, President of Equality Fairfax
Februray, 28, 2005

Facing an avalanche of anti-gay legislation this General Assembly session (an election year for the House of Delegates), the pro-equality community mobilized to respond like never before to impact and defeat the anti-gay attacks. While most attacks fell short this session, the pain and anxiety inflicted on gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people continue to ripple throughout the pro-equality community.

Overwhelming support from the General Assembly for a constitutional amendment threatens our community with prolonged special discriminatory treatment that attempts to permanently disqualify contributing, loving, committed couples from the responsibilities and rights of civil marriage, civil unions, domestic partnerships and all other possible methods of providing security and respect to same-sex couples.

“These attacks are mobilizing our community and support for equality like never before. Equality Fairfax will work the rest of this year talking with those who know us and defending ourselves as candidates make campaign promises to continue efforts to discriminate against us. We’ll be stronger and ready to beat back attacks again during the 2006 General Assembly session. We’re confident our efforts and the support of our friends, families, co-workers and neighbors will result in progress for the GLBT community next year and, ultimately, the defeat of the discriminatory constitutional amendment” said Paula Prettyman, President of Equality Fairfax.

Many Fairfax County representatives co-patroned pro-equality legislation, made statements on the floor of the House or Senate, worked behind the scenes and sent uplifting follow-up letters and email to the communtity. “We are humbled by the unwavering support and encouragement we received from many Fairfax County representatives this session and we look forward to working with them going forward to win equality for all Virginians” said Prettyman.

We must be informed and we must be involved.
Talk to your elected represenatives, co-workers, neighbors, everyone!

We must be informed and we must be involved. Talk to your elected representatives, co-workers, neighbors, everyone!

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Pro-Equality Legislation
SB 1077 Crimes Against Nature – defeated

HB 1633 Repeal of Affirmation of Marriage Act – defeated

HB 2116 Fairfax County Non-discrimination Bill – defated

HB 2894 Prohibits Discrimination for State Employees – defeated

Anti-Equality Legislation
SJ 337 Virginia Marriage Amendment – passed Senate (30-10)

HJ 528 Virginia Marriage Amendment – rolled into HJ 586

HJ 584 Virginia Marriage Amendment – rolled into HJ 586

HJ 586 Virginia Marriage Amendment – passed house (78-18)

HB 1660 Special license plate – withdrawn by patron

HB 2868 Schools Bill – passed House in a block (95-0)

HB 2921 Anti-Gay Adoption – defeated

Related Legislation
HB 2490 – HB 751 Amendment Bill – defeated in committee