Virginia
Virginia
Relationships
The state constitution prohibits marriage between same-sex couples: “Only a union between one man and one woman may be a marriage valid in or recognized by this Commonwealth and its political subdivisions. This Commonwealth and its political subdivisions shall not create or recognize a legal status for relationships of unmarried individuals that intends to approximate the design, qualities, significance, or effects of marriage. Nor shall this Commonwealth or its political subdivisions create or recognize another union, partnership, or other legal status to which is assigned the rights, benefits, obligations, qualities, or effects of marriage.” (Va. Const. Art. I, §15-A)
State statute prohibits marriage between same-sex couples, and purports to void “contractual rights created by” a marriage of a same-sex couple. See Virginia Code Annotated, §§ 20-45.2 and 20-45.3.
Workplace
See Va. Code Ann. § 2.2-3901 (2002) and Va. Code Ann. § 36-96.3 (2002).
All government employees are protected by the U.S. Constitution against irrational discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. In addition, some measure of protection already exists under Title VII based on gender, which has been held to include gender identity and expression.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and several courts have interpreted Title VII to protect transgender employees, and the EEOC has interpreted Title VII to cover sexual orientation discrimination. The Supreme Court has held that the EEOC's interpretations of Title VII are entitled to "great deference."
Parenting
Any natural person. See Va. Code. § 63.1-219.9.
Do not appear to be currently available in any jurisdictions.
Generally hostile environment. Although the State signed off on adoption of foster child in D.C. by Virginia lesbian living with partner in Kaufman v. Va. Dept. of Social Services, she required Lambda Legal assistance in overcoming resistance.
