Congresswoman Barbara Comstock and gubernatorial wannabe Congressman Rob Wittman have voted to deny members of the LGBT community basic protections several times over the past week. Today, House Republicans even went so far as to sabotage a critical water and energy bill instead of supporting an anti-discrimination clause.

Late last night, Comstock and Wittman voted to pass a measure to make it easier for schools in North Carolina to implement the transgender bathroom law that was deemed to violate Title XI. Governor Terry McAuliffe vetoed a similar discriminatory measure earlier this year, preventing Virginia from the type of economic and social backlash happening in North Carolina.

Statement from Virginia State Senator Adam Ebbin: 

"Virginia is more welcoming and open than ever before, but Congresswoman Comstock and Congressman Wittman are stuck in the past," said Virginia State Senator Adam Ebbin. "It's unfathomable that Comstock and Wittman would vote against efforts to prevent discrimination when Virginians are moving forward. Discrimination is unamerican, it's bad for business, and it's wrong."

BACKGROUND:

Last Week, House Republicans Voted Down Maloney Amendment After Several Republicans Swtiched Voted At Last Minute. “It was an unruly scene on the floor with Democrats chanting, "Shame!" after GOP leaders barely muscled up the votes to reject, 212-213, an amendment by Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (D-N.Y.) that would have effectively barred federal contractors from getting government work if they discriminate against the LGBT community. At one point, a monitor in the House gallery showed there were 217 votes supporting the legislation, eliciting cheers of joy from Democrats who thought the measure might actually pass. But over the course of about 10 minutes, those votes suddenly dropped one by one to 212 — and the amendment failed.” [Politico, 5/19/16]  

Comstock and Wittman Voted Twice Against Maloney Amendment [Vote #258, Vote #226]

Fight Over Maloney Amendment Killed House Spending Bill. “House conservatives on Thursday blocked passage of a relatively uncontroversial energy and water spending measure after Democrats attached an amendment that would bar federal contractors from discriminating against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.” [Politico, 5/26/16]