January 12, 2017 News & Press Releases · Press Releases and Announcements

‘Bathroom Bill’ Front and Center in GOP Gubernatorial Race


by Democratic Party of Virginia

Today during a press conference, Delegate Bob Marshall and supporters doubled down on the proposed "bathroom bill" (HB 1612) - a bill nearly identical to North Carolina's measure that cost the state an estimated $600 million in business and led to the ousting of Republican Governor Pat McCrory. 
 
It's clear that grassroots Republicans - including endorsers of Ed Gillespie - will not waiver in their expectation that Republicans support the measure. This puts the "bathroom bill" front and center in the GOP gubernatorial primary. Here are some key takeaways from the press conference: 
  • Del. Marshall & supporters will not let this bill die quietly. Del. Marshall called for a recorded vote on the issue and demanded his fellow lawmakers to support the measure, warning that he will not let this bill die quietly. 
  • Virginia Republican heavy hitters are all in. At the press conference, VA RNC member Cynthia Dunbar issued a warning to Republicans saying,"the people are watching." She further cited the RNC platform as reason to support the bill. As RNC member, Dunbar has significant power and influence among Virginia Republicans. 
  • Gillespie's endorsers support the bill Gillespie endorser Del. LaRock proudly took the stage and affirmed his commitment to the bathroom bill. Gillespie endorser Sen. Dick Black, also supports the measure. 
"Virginia Republicans' grassroots base will accept nothing less than full support of the discriminatory and job-killing bathroom bill," said Emily Bolton, Communications Director of the Democratic Party of Virginia. "It's clearer than ever that gubernatorial candidates Ed Gillespie, Frank Wagner, Corey Stewart, and Denver Riggleman would sign this bill into law if elected Governor, and once again, risk Virginia jobs in favor of legalized discrimination."