Equality Fairfax

With a new year comes a new meeting of Virgina’s General Assembly in Richmond. Each year Equality Fairfax participates with Equality Virginia in Lobby Day – an opportunity for us to visit our legislators in Richmond and discuss legislation and issues. This is a significant chance to:

• Advocate for pro-equality laws for all LGBT people in Virginia
• Make our legislators aware that we’re here and we care about the issues
• Put a personal face on the important issues that affect us

Equality Fairfax will make sure we meet with each of the delegates and senators for Fairfax County. But, without constituents from the actual districts we can’t drive the point home – that’s why we need everyone to attend! It’s important that your delegate and senator know that YOU are from their district – they represent you, and you’re making your voice heard. It’s an easy but important process.

Mark your calendars and make appropriate preparations to take off work so you can join us for this crucial day of the year. We’ll update with more information as the date gets closer.

Registration is now open for Lobby Day! Sign up here.

It’s that time again! Equality Fairfax is hosting a holiday happy hour December 9th at Uno’s in Merrifield (just off Route 50 and Gallows Road). We’ll be there from 6pm to 8:30pm. Come join us for some holiday fun as the season kicks off. This will be our last happy hour for the year so don’t miss it!

Please feel free to bring your friends.

Address: 3058 Gatehouse Plaza, Falls Church

Danny Smith is running for office in the 38th district. His opponent is Kaye Kory.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 5:40 — 4.9MB)

Kaye Kory defeated incumbent Bob Hull in the primary therefore the 38th district has no incumbent candidate in this election. Her opponent is Danny Smith.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 7:52 — 6.0MB)

Delegate Chuck Caputo is the incumbent candidate in the 67th district. Chuck provided us with the following written responses to our questions we submitted to the candidates.

1. LGBT people in Virginia often feel vulnerable to hostile workplace actions that can affect their careers or employment. Do you support workplace non-discrimination for LGBT employees?

Yes, in fact, I cosponsored HB 2385 to end discrimination based on sexual orientation in the workplace.

2. Thousands of LGBT families call the Commonwealth of Virginia home, including many here in Fairfax County. Would you support the repeal of the Marshall-Newman amendment which defines marriage as solely between one man and one woman and bans recognition of any legal status “approximat[ing] the design, qualities, significance, or effects of marriage”?

Yes.

3. Thousands of LGBT families call the Commonwealth of Virginia home, including many here in Fairfax County. Would you support the repeal of the Marshall-Newman amendment which defines marriage as solely between one man and one woman and bans recognition of any legal status “approximat[ing] the design, qualities, significance, or effects of marriage”?

Yes.

General statement

I have worked to improve the quality of life for the people of the 67th District for over 40 years. From homeowner’s association president to Thomas Jefferson High School PTSA president to member of the School Board to Delegate, I have made the citizens of the 67th District my top priority. Furthermore, I believe in the US Constitution, which clearly states that everyone is equal in the eyes of the law.

Vivian Watts is the incumbent candidate in the 39th district. Her major party opponent is Joe Bury.

* Please note that Vivian’s interview was conducted after her opponent’s (Joe Bury’s) had been posted earlier in the day. We apologize for the error.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 9:45 — 7.4MB)

Joe Bury is the challenger candidate in the 39th district. The incumbent candidate is Delegate Vivian Watts.

* Please note that Joe’s interview was posted earlier in the day before his challenger’s interview was conducted. We apologize for the error.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 4:36 — 3.9MB)